GANHRI's Chairperson Emphasizes Institutions' Role in Protecting Human Rights in Business
Geneva, November 29 (QNA) - HE Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah called for launching a regional initiative to adopt unique preventive legislation and encourage the Arab and Gulf regimes to develop guidelines and a joint action plan to effectively address the human rights impacts of business activities.
Her Excellency stressed, during her participation in the annual United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights, that the Global Alliance is committed to supporting and promoting the national institutions of human rights as well as working with all the partners to contribute to developing a human rights-based and multi-stakeholder approach to business in the MENA region.
Her Excellency presented a proposal to organize a regional forum similar to this one, saying that holding the forum in the region highlights the focused international effort on the issue of business and human rights, as it is one of the current human rights concerns.
She noted that national human rights institutions play a critical role in the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of business in the Middle East and North Africa region, and are a genuine anchor in the accountability of States and corporations, promoting responsible business practices, advocating for the protection of individuals affected by commercial activities in accordance with international human rights standards, in addition to playing a critical role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between governments, companies and civil society, as a bridge for communication and encouraging constructive participation.
Her Excellency also indicated that the legal discourse on business and human rights in our region is still linked to what is known as "corporate social responsibility", which is often seen as a voluntary and non-binding responsibility, emphasizing that national human rights institutions are in a position to contribute significantly to promoting a human rights-based approach to business and business-related activities by raising awareness of the UN Guiding Principles and their implementation on the ground.
HE Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah noted that the region, like many other regions globally, still lacked two crucial elements: first, the development of national action plans by countries on business and human rights; and second, the absence of national legislation regulating business and human rights. Affirming that national human rights institutions are uniquely placed to respond to these challenges, by investing their influence to advocate for, participate in, and defend the National Action Plan, ensure that the voices of communities are heard, and advise State authorities on their responsibility to prevent and address business-related human rights violations by all means, including ensuring that laws and practices are consistent with international human rights obligations.
Her Excellency stressed that States are obliged under international human rights law to protect individuals from abuses by third parties, including businesses, within their territory or jurisdiction, and to ensure that victims have access to effective remedies, through judicial and non-judicial redress mechanisms. She added that national human rights institutions can receive complaints, conduct investigations and facilitate access to remedies for victims of business-related abuses.
She emphasized that NHRIs receive ample support in their daily work from the Global Alliance, the four regional networks and their partners, adding that through the Global Alliance's Business and Human Rights Working Group established in 2009, it provides a platform for NHRIs to share knowledge, share experience and learn from each other, in order to effectively address business-related human rights impacts.
HE Chairperson of the GANHRI also stated in her speech that the Alliance is working to strengthen the advocacy of national human rights institutions at the international and regional levels, including relevant UN bodies and mechanisms, and to ensure that the individual and collective voices of national human rights institutions are heard and integrated into all decision-making processes. (QNA)
