FORUM ON BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Since its first session in 2012, the annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights has brought together thousands of participants from governments, business, civil society, trade unions, communities, international organizations, lawyers and academics from around the world. Centered on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Guiding Principles) - the authoritative global framework for states and companies to prevent negative impacts on human rights arising from business activities - the Forum provides a unique multi-stakeholder platform to discuss key trends and challenges in implementing and advancing the Guiding Principles.

Established by the UN Human Rights Council, the Forum is guided and chaired by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights. It is organized by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

IOPDHR participates in the work of the Global Forum on Business and Human Rights, notably on the implementation of obligations, responsibilities and remedies. The 12th annual Business and Human Rights Forum kicked off with the first day of discussions at @UN_HRC.

Participation in FBHR Editions

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12th Edition

The International Observatory for Peace, Democracy, and Human Rights (IOPDHR) is actively participating in the 12th edition of the Global Forum on Business and Human Rights. This annual event, organized under the auspices of the United Nations, is held at the headquarters of the Human Rights Council in Geneva (@UN_HRC). The central theme of this edition, "Towards Effective Change in the Implementation of Obligations, Responsibilities, and Remedies," emphasizes the importance of translating the UN Guiding Principles into concrete actions to ensure a real and sustainable impact on human rights.

On this first day, the discussions focused on strategies to strengthen corporate accountability mechanisms and ensure effective remedies for victims of human rights violations. As a committed organization, IOPDHR highlighted its contributions to awareness-raising and advocacy efforts.

The exchanges brought together a diverse range of international stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations, businesses, governments, and UN agencies, to explore innovative and collaborative solutions.

Participation in this forum demonstrates IOPDHR's ongoing commitment to advocating for human rights-respecting economic practices and promoting inclusive policies on a global scale. By working alongside key sector players, the Observatory reaffirms its role as a crucial partner in implementing the UN Guiding Principles and advancing a fairer and more equitable global economy.

13th Edition

IOPDHR-GENEVA-NGO had the honor of participating in the opening session of the 13th edition of the United Nations Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights, a key event for dialogue on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Participation in the Opening Session:
The inaugural session, titled “Making the Smart Mix Work Effectively for Human Rights in Business,” allowed IOPDHR to reflect on best practices and identified challenges, with a particular focus on the rights of the most vulnerable stakeholders and the actions needed to ensure concrete and sustainable changes.

Participation in Informal Dialogues:
On the morning of November 25, 2024, IOPDHR joined the BHR Informal Dialogues workshop: Just Transition, a collaborative and inclusive space designed without formal speakers.

Parallel Session on AI:
IOPDHR also took part in the parallel session titled "Fostering Responsible Business Conduct in AI", dedicated to addressing human rights challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI).

IOPDHR’s participation in the 13th edition of the United Nations Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights was an enriching experience. The discussions fostered a deeper understanding of current challenges and potential solutions for integrating human rights into business practices, emphasizing a collaborative and innovative approach.