13th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights

Session co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, The Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with disabilities, the ILO Global Business and Disability Network, the Disability Rights Fund and the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)


Brief description of the session: 
Building on last year’s session on Disability Rights as part of Business and Human Rights: Broadening the Discussion, this year’s session has a specific focus on "reasonable accommodation", sometimes referred to as “reasonable adjustments”, as a crucial element for upholding the rights of persons with disabilities in the context of business activities, and for strengthening their inclusion in all aspects of society. Reasonable accommodation aims to provide equal opportunities for employees at the workplace, so their skills and talents can be used to full capacity. By recognizing and accommodating individual needs, businesses create work environments that truly welcome the diversity of their staff and contribute to business activities.
By examining this concept and discussing how to implement reasonable accommodation effectively, the session seeks to identify best practices, challenges, and opportunities that ensure equal enjoyment and exercise of human rights. It aims to develop a better understanding of how to provide reasonable accommodations effectively, as well as to expand the understanding of reasonable accommodation beyond workplace settings, examining its relevance in various contexts such as education, healthcare, and public services.
 
Background to the discussions:
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) includes the core concept of "reasonable accommodation". This refers to the necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments not imposing a disproportionate or undue burden, which are needed in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities have the enjoyment or exercise, on an equal basis with others, of all human rights. The denial of reasonable accommodation amounts to discrimination. Providing necessary adjustments in the workplace and beyond is in line with the State duty to protect and the business responsibility to respect under the UNGPs. Governments discharge of their duty to adopt and enforce laws and policies that protect the rights of persons with disabilities and businesses ensure the well-being and dignity of employees with disabilities, and those employees with dependants with disabilities. As such, reasonable accommodation is a critical component of the care and support agenda.
In the context of the business and human rights agenda, reasonable accommodation plays a pivotal role in ensuring that workplaces are inclusive and accessible. As businesses recognize the value of diversity and the economic benefits of an inclusive workforce, understanding the legal and ethical implications of reasonable accommodation becomes essential.

Key objectives of the session:

• Deepen understanding of the linkages between disability rights and the business and human rights agenda, particularly in relation to the business responsibilities and benefits  related to the provision of reasonable accommodations.
• Identification of good practices and innovative approaches to providing reasonable accommodation across different sectors and from various perspectives.
• Strengthen networks among participants to foster ongoing collaboration and shared learning on disability rights and business practices.

• Improve understanding on how insights from persons with disabilities can provide governments and businesses valuable context regarding the real-life implications of reasonable accommodation, ensuring that policies reflect the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.

Background documents:
Promoting diversity and inclusion through workplace adjustments: A practical guide (2016)
This guide aims to explain the concept of reasonable adjustments (“reasonable accommodation”) and provide practical step-by-step guidance on how and when these should be provided in the workplace.

• Download in English: Promoting diversity and inclusion through workplace adjustments: A practical guide
• Download in French: Promouvoir la diversité et l’inclusion grâce à des ajustements sur le lieu de travail: guide pratique
• Download in Spanish: Fomentando la diversidad y la inclusión mediante ajustes en el lugar de trabajo: una guía práctica

CRPD/C/GC/8: General comment No. 8 (2022) on the right of persons with disabilities to work and employment
CRPD/C/GC/6: General comment No.6 on equality and non-discrimination

Co-organised by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, UN Human Rights B-Tech Project, Ranking Digital Rights and UN Global Compact   
 
Brief description of the session: 
This session will explore how human rights of different stakeholder groups may be adversely impacted by artificial intelligence (“AI”) and discuss how the smart mix of measures in the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (“UNGPs”) can address such impacts.

To inform the discussion, this session will present the results of thematic and regional work with regard to children and digital technologies, gender perspectives, engagement with stakeholders in diverse geographies as well as dialogue with policymakers seeking to govern AI.

Key topics to be discussed include: (1) how the development, deployment, and use of AI systems may pose human rights risks to specific stakeholder groups across diverse geographies; and (2) how processes by business enterprises and other actors to address these risks could be informed by the UNGPs and (3) how the UNGPs and stakeholder views can guide States towards adopting an effective “smart mix of measures” for requiring technology companies to respect human rights when developing and using new technologies.
The session will feature panelists representing the UN human rights office, UN Global Compact companies developing and deploying AI , civil society, and other stakeholders.
 
AI continues to change our information ecosystem and daily modes of working relationships. Information about the extent to which human rights due diligence has been conducted taking into account the specific needs of different stakeholder groups across diverse geographies in relation to value chains in the technology sector is limited. There has been little opportunity for learning across the tech industry and among companies designing, developing and deploying AI about effective approaches to meaningfully engage with diverse stakeholders across different socio-economic contexts with the goal to prevent and mitigate human rights risks linked to advances in AI.
There is thus an urgent need to explore how the voices and needs of stakeholders can be integrated into business operations in relation to AI. Identifying appropriate responses to this question and building alignment across industry, civil society and standard setters about expectations should draw on international human rights standards. In particular, the expectations set out in the UNGPs can provide authoritative and widely accepted guidance. Using these global standards as the initial basis for unpacking the scope and nature of corporate responsibilities can also provide a common foundation for constructive and robust dialogue.

Key objectives of the session: 
- To present insights about specific needs of stakeholder groups in order for businesses to respect human rights in the AI space, including community-led approaches
- To summarise current promising practices and gaps in AI risk mitigation in diverse geographies.
- To discuss the implications of the UNGPs for AI regulation.
- To propose next steps for policy-makers, businesses and civil society to ensure that AI roll-out globally is conducted in a rights-respecting manner.

Background reading:
- Headlines and Recommendations from the GenAI B-Tech Foundational paper
- Advancing Responsible Development and Deployment of Generative AI. A UN B-Tech foundational paper
- Taxonomy of Generative AI Human Rights Harms, a B-Tech Gen AI Project supplement
- Overview of Human Rights and Responsible AI Company Practice, a B-Tech Gen AI Project supplement
- Harvard Carr Center Discussion Paper "Fostering Business Respect for Human Rights in AI Governance and Beyond: A Compass for Policymakers to Align Tech Regulation with the UNGPs"
- B-Tech Stakeholder engagement paper
- UN Global Compact: Report on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights
UN Global Compact & Accenture Report: Gen AI for the Global Goals: The Private Sector’s Guide to Accelerating Sustainable Development with Responsible Technology

Session co-organized by the Working Group on business and human rights, the Investor Alliance for Human Rights and Principles for Responsible Investment

Interpretation available in English, French and Spanish

(Version française ci-jointe)
(Versión en español adjunta)

Brief description of the session:
A just transition refers to the transition to a green and zero-carbon economy that is fair and inclusive, creates decent work opportunities, reduces poverty and inequalities and upholds the human rights of workers, including in the informal sector, and affected communities, in particular Indigenous Peoples and populations affected by environmental degradation and energy poverty, through social dialogue and meaningful participation in decision-making including on the use of land and natural resources (See A/78/155). Thus, a just transition includes environmental, social, economic, climate change and human rights aspects. Just transition programmes will require adequate and appropriate financing from the private sector, including contributions from the financial sector (like institutional investors and banks). Some States have started introducing a few financial incentives and regulatory measures for businesses and investors to enable a just transition. However, regulatory gaps remain.

Beyond financing and investing in environmentally sustainable business and projects, financial sector actors have various forms of leverage they can exercise to push businesses and States to support sustainable business practices and a global economy. These include stewardship activities targeting investees or responsibly advocating for the creation of an enabling environment, and government incentives and public-private partnerships that address the environmental and social risks inherent to this transition. These all have strengths and limitations. Further, investors and banks must overcome environmental, social and governance (ESG) silos in approaches to sustainability, as a just transition necessitates understanding how environmental, sustainable development and human rights impacts are inextricably intertwined.

Key objectives of the session:
In a complex landscape, a smart mix of both good guidance and targeted regulation plays a role in maximizing the leverage of financial actors to contribute to a just transition. With a focus on renewable energy, and critical energy transition minerals, the panel will discuss key recommendations around how a smart mix of measures, both on sustainable finance and for the real economy, can be implemented to ensure effective policy and finance sector action towards the just transition.

Key discussion questions:

• What leverage can the financial sector and States bring to bear in the transition to a green economy?
• How are those forms of leverage impactful and what are their limitations?
• How can a smart mix of regulatory and voluntary measures and incentives help overcome those limitations and enable a just transition? 

Background to the discussion

• UN Working Group on business and human rights, Investors, Environmental, Social and Governance Approaches and Human Rights (A/HRC/56/55)
• UN Working Group on business and human rights, Extractive Sector, Just Transition and Human Rights (A/78/155)
• UN Working Group on business and human rights, Taking stock of investor implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, (A/HRC/47/39/Add.1)
• OHCHR, Key messages on human rights and a just transition
• Investor Alliance for Human Rights, Investor Guidance : https://investorsforhumanrights.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2024-01/FINAL%20ASI%2C%20HCIJ%2C%20IAHR%20Investor%20Guidance%202.pdf
•   Investor Alliance for Human Rights,  Policy Brief: https://investorsforhumanrights.org/sites/default/files/attachments/2024-01/FINAL%20ASI%2C%20HCIJ%2C%20IAHR%20Policy%20Brief%20%281%29.pdf

Brief description of the session: 
This session will explore different policies and regulations, both globally and in the different regions and how they have proved effective or not in improving the situation for (W)HRDs, Indigenous Peoples, and afro-descendent communities at risk, and what needs to be done.

This session is a joint session developed with the UNWG and Zero Tolerance Initiative members and allies: Accion Ecologica, AFRILAW, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), Business and Human Rights Resource Center, CEMSOJ, Forest Peoples Programme (FPP), Greater Whange Residents Trust, International Lawyers Project, International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), The Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI), Jamaa Resource Initiatives, Marginalised Mirror, Peace Brigades International (PBI), Protection International, Star Kampuchea, Swedwatch and Talent des Femmes Rurales.

Key objectives of the session:
To explore if different policies, voluntary measures, and regulations in different regions have contributed to improving the situation for Indigenous Peoples, afro-descendent communities and (W)HRDs at risk.
To reflect critically on the extent to which these smart mix initiatives have proved (in)effective, especially for rights-holders, and what would be the next steps that States and businesses need to implement to guarantee the protection of (W)HRDs.
 
Key questions: 
- How are (W)HRDs, Indigenous Peoples, and Afro-descendent communities being impacted by business operations?
- Have different measures in the “smart mix” effectively contributed to improved protection for (W)HRDs, Indigenous Peoples, and Afro-descendent communities from the risks posed by large-scale projects?
- How have companies developed zero tolerance / human rights defender policies, and what do these policies typically look like in practice? 
- In what ways are companies implementing HRD policies across different regions, and how are they ensuring that these policies provide real protection for defenders, Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendent rightsholders?
- What are the key components of an effective corporate HRD policy, and how do companies ensure its practical application when human rights defenders are under threat?
- What challenges have companies faced when implementing HRD policies, and how are they overcoming them to ensure meaningful protection and engagement?
- Have state regulations in public procurement, which include human rights-related requirements, proved effective or not in improving the situation for Indigenous Peoples, afro-descendent communities and (W)HRDs at risk?
- In what ways have (W)HRDs, Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendent communities been included in the development, implementation and evaluation or accountability of HRD policies, and what challenges remain? 
- What are the main limitations or failings of the current "smart mix" policies in ensuring transparency and meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendent communities in development projects?
- Can community-led protection mechanisms, like Indigenous community protocols, offer more effective alternatives to top-down measures?
- What lessons can be drawn from bottom-up approaches led by Indigenous and Afro-descendent communities in shaping measures that truly protect (W)HRDs?
- Why is it important to move toward binding rules—whether national, regional, or international—when it comes to corporate accountability, covering protections for human rights defenders (HRDs), Indigenous Peoples, and Afro-descendent communities?
- What progress is being made across different regions and other regions toward establishing binding regulations to hold companies accountable for human rights abuses?

Background of the discussion:
13 years on from the UNGPs adoption, which includes the notion of the “Smart mix” of measures, the concept has so fallen short with regards to concrete improvements for (W)HRDs, Indigenous Peoples and afro-descendent communities. These groups continue to face relentless threats, attacks, criminalisation and killings for their work protecting the land, the environment and the planet. Global Witness has recorded 1,910 killings of land and environmental defenders since the launch of the UNGPs in 2011. HRDs who confront business interests are among those defenders most at risk.
Systemic and transformative changes are needed to address the root causes of attacks and killings of Indigenous Peoples, afro-descendent communities and (W)HRDs. Effective legislation and regulation need to be put in place to protect against human rights harm by businesses.
 
This session will explore different policies and regulations, both globally and in the different regions and how they have proved effective or not in improving the situation for Indigenous Peoples, afro-descendent communities and (W)HRDs at risk, and what needs to be done. It will also look into business practice and address challenges and opportunities for improvement.

Additional background documents: 
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: guidance on ensuring respect for human rights defenders, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights 2021. This report by the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises unpacks for States and business the normative and practical implications of the UNGPs in relation to protecting and respecting the vital work of human rights defenders. https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-02/Formatted-version-of-the-guidance-EN_0.pdf

Zero Tolerance Resource Hub - There is a growing body of standards, frameworks, tools, and guidance on corporate policies that commit to not tolerate or contribute to attacks against Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). The Zero Tolerance Initiative serves as a platform to coordinate civil society and rightsholder engagement in developing these materials. This hub collates resources to provide accountability tools for Indigenous Peoples, rural and Afro-descendent organisations and communities, and Environmental Human Rights Defenders (EHRDs) to advocate for and track company policy commitments and their implementation. https://www.zerotoleranceinitiative.org/zero-tolerance-policies
Committing to protections for Human Rights Defenders, Zero Tolerance Initiative, 2024, This document presents recommendations on minimum requirements for the development of private sector policies and procedures regarding protections for HRDs. https://www.zerotoleranceinitiative.org/committing-to-protections-for-human-rights-defenders

Declaration on Human Right Defenders +25, A supplement to the UN Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms: 25 years on; 20241003-DeclarationOnHumanRightsDefendersPlus25-web.pdf

Indicators on how to track businesses' respect of the rights of HRDs, ISHR
2024. This set of indicators is designed to provide companies with guidance on the responsibility of business to respect the rights of human rights defenders and to support civic freedoms. https://ishr.ch/defenders-toolbox/resources/business-and-human-rights-indicators/

Human rights defenders policy tracker, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, 2024, This tracker by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre documents publicly

Session co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, The International Trade Centre (ITC), the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the German Helpdesk, and UN Global Compact.


Brief description
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for 90% of businesses and 50-60% of employment worldwide: they are overwhelmingly present in economic activities around the world. SMEs are vital to economic growth and job creation globally, including when operating in environments where human rights risks are heightened, especially in conflict-affected areas. SMEs frequently lack the enabling legal and policy environment, the incentives, as well as the resources and knowledge to implement effectively the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), which may affect their potential of integrating human rights due diligence in their daily operations. This session aims to consider ways to strengthen the capacity of SMEs to address these matters.
It is essential for SMEs to gain awareness about their responsibilities under the UNGPs and build capacities. In addition, the introduction of new regulations with global reach, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and national human rights due diligence requirements in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, present SMEs with new challenges and expectations. These new mandatory requirements expect governments to provide support and guidance to SMEs and businesses to devise collaborative approaches.
This session will aim to empower SMEs with the knowledge and tools necessary to incorporate the UNGPs, especially human rights due diligence, into their operations to ensure that they can action better their responsibilities to respect human rights. It also aims to foster sustainable business practices by SMEs and position them as important potential agents for positive transformative local change to reduce adverse human rights impacts from business activities.

Objectives

• Increase awareness and understanding of the importance for SMEs to integrate human rights due diligence into business operations, including for SMEs in conflict-affected areas.
• Assist participants with practical tools and resources to implement human rights due diligence and foster responsible business practices. This would also include guidance on conducting human rights impact assessments, stakeholder engagement, and effective grievance mechanisms.
• Foster stakeholder engagement with SMEs, particularly from supply chain end points, associations, regulators and governments (e.g., through legislation, trade policies, and diplomacy for cross-border cooperation enabling HRDD).
• Explore challenges SMEs face in taking action and highlight best practices of SMEs that have effectively integrated responsible business practices into their business models.
• Share resources available for SMEs, including training programs, online-tools, helpdesks, funding opportunities, and partnerships with civil society.

Session co-organized by the Working Group on business and human rights and the Office for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Interpretation available in English, French and Spanish

(Version française ci-jointe)
(Versión en español adjunta)

Brief description of the session: 
The use of litigation to achieve progress on climate change and human rights has nearly tripled since the Paris Agreement was reached in 2015. More recently, in 2022 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 76/300, recognising “the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right”. This recognition followed the UN Human Rights Council resolution 48/13 which acknowledged the right in October 2021. As activists and civil society organizations are increasingly seeking to hold States and businesses accountable for their role in contributing to the multiple planetary crises and related harm to human rights, including those of future generations, climate litigation is being used as a tool to influence policy outcomes or change corporate behaviour. Climate litigation has shown its potential to lead to a smart mix of measures to address climate change and uphold human rights by strengthening regulation, incentives, policies, corporate practices, and benchmarking. This has in turn led to an increased emphasis on the role of businesses, including their need to conduct human rights due diligence with environmental dimensions. While some emerging multistakeholder initiatives are trying to tackle these issues, the question remains of how States and businesses can better collaborate with civil society organizations and other stakeholders to raise awareness and increase implementation of human rights-respecting frameworks in the context of climate change.      

Key objectives of the session: 

• Provide an overview of climate change and human rights litigation globally and regionally. 
• Set out the case and evidence for putting climate change and human rights into the boardroom, through the lens of a human rights-based economy.  
• Highlight opportunities and benefits for States and businesses to accelerate their actions on climate change and human rights, by addressing commonly perceived barriers.  
• Discuss tangible steps on how different stakeholder groups and rightsholders can move forward to ensure the effective promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, including implementation.  

 
Additional background documents: 

• UN Working Group on business and human rights communication to Saudi Aramco and financial institutions on climate change and human rights  
• UN Working Group on business and human rights Information note on climate change and the UNGPs  
• UN Working Group on business and human rights report on Extractive sector, just transition and human rights (A/78/155) 
• UN Working Group on business and human rights Open let