High Commissioner addresses Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions Annual Conference

Business and Human Rights: The role and experiences of National Human Rights Institutions

Good morning, dear colleagues. It is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). Your partnership is essential to the core work of my Office. 

The role that National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) can play in this era of global crises is more crucial than ever.

An era of deepening divisions between our human family, where inequalities are widening, where poverty is at levels not witnessed in a generation.

Conflicts are destroying nations and regions, and indeed threatening international security. Climate change is thrusting us towards even more catastrophe, at lightning speed. We are all watching with great trepidation the threats that stem from generative Artificial Intelligence, many of them still unknown. And as all these human rights risks grow in size and advance at pace, the trust in our governing institutions to pull us away from crisis is crumbling.

The world is scrambling to find the right solutions, and to find hope.

History has shown us that in times of crisis, human rights are a crucial part of the solution. I think of the hard-won gains in women’s rights, in overcoming apartheid, in the expansion of civic space or in vastly improved health and education systems in many parts of the world.

As a result of the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which you were all involved with at the national level, we have issued a Vision Statement that encapsulates last year’s reflections. We have put forward a comprehensive, solutions-oriented vision of human rights, so that it can also influence the Pact for the Future.

Today’s international human rights framework, while developed with States in mind, puts an onus on every component of society to play their part.

It implies that everyone can – and must - be a partner in the human rights movement.

Including the private sector.

This conference will address some of the big questions on the impacts – both negative and positive – that business can have on human rights.

On climate change, how can business avoid and avert harm, and instead innovate and adapt to be part of the solution?

On civic space, particularly in the online world, how can business live up to their responsibilities to enable and nourish freedom of expression and at the same time protect the human rights defenders bravely demanding change?

More broadly, how can regulatory and policy measures on human rights work best for business, and how can we guarantee the necessary protection and support for affected individuals and communities?

And , ultimately, how can NHRIs leverage their unique mandate to guide and support businesses in addressing these issues?

The private sector is a key piece of the architecture needed to rebuild trust, and to restore faith in the unifying power of human rights.

I welcome the excellent work NHRIs are doing to nurture their relationships with business and thereby strengthen responsible business human rights practices that are grounded also in the Sustainable Development Goals

The landmark Edinburgh Declaration provides a robust framework to help NHRIs in these efforts.

And NHRIs are also playing a crucial role in ensuring governments live up to their responsibilities to implement effective remedies for the individuals and communities affected by business-related activities.

Colleagues,

As you well know, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were developed to protect against human rights abuse by business activity.

The gold standard to ensure that business is held accountable.

That business keeps on enhancing and adapting their practices to put human rights front and centre.

And that victims of abuse have access to remedy.

I am pleased to see a growing number of NHRIs using the Guiding Principles to ensure businesses respect, protect and advance human rights. 

The move by many countries towards adopting national legislation on business and human rights due diligence is also welcome. The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive is an important example of political commitment to manage and mitigate the human rights risks large companies can generate.

I urge NHRIs to maintain the momentum on this, and ensure any national legislation remains firmly in line with the Guiding Principles.

Colleagues,

Over the past thirty years, my Office has worked closely with Member States and their NHRIs to better promote and protect all human rights at the national level.

We have seen tangible results.

A growing interest from countries in not only establishing NHRIs, but ensuring that they are independent, and that they are effective.

Bringing us one step closer to achieving one of the indicators of the Sustainable Development Agenda, which called for exactly that – independent, effective institutions.

And one step closer, therefore, to governments who are more accountable to the people they serve.

To date, 120 NHRIs have been accredited by the Global Alliance in this fantastic process you have created. Eighty-eight of those have received ‘A’ status for their full compliance with the Paris Principles, the standards which all NHRIs must meet.

At the international level, too, my Office has supported NHRIs and their regional and global networks to engage with the UN human rights mechanisms, including the treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council, its Universal Periodic Review and the Special Procedures.

And if we look specifically at advancing the business and human rights agenda, my Office has built very strong alliances with NHRIs.

In Latin America and the Caribbean for example, our Responsible Business Conduct Project is strengthening cooperation between business and NHRIs, improving accountability, monitoring and reporting of business conduct and facilitating access to remedy.

And all around the world, we are working with NHRIs to enhance their effectiveness as grievance mechanisms when business-related human rights abuse occurs.

I am proud of the work that we have achieved together. There is a lot more to be done. I wish you productive discussions, and look forward to the Outcome Statement from today’s event.

Thank you.