Protection of human rights from the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises — Treaty Alliance

Karsten Weitzenegger signed the common statements of the Treaty Alliance.

The UN Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG) on Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Respect to Human Rights will be holding its third session October 23-27, 2017. With two successful sessions behind it, negotiations will now begin on the basis of a draft presented by the OEIGWG Chair-Rapporteur. As discussions are expected to get more detailed and concrete, constructive and cooperative States’ participation is needed.

The previous two sessions (2015 & 2016) allowed a rich debate and contributed to the identification of common ground for further progress in the elaboration of the treaty: the primary obligation of States is to respect, protect and fulfil people’s human rights, including extraterritorially. At present, regulatory gaps are leading to human rights abuses and violations as well as appalling impunity. Globally, corporations are engaged in operations that result in deep environmental harm, land grabbing and systemic violations of workers’ rights, including use of slave labor in some of the most extreme cases, to mention just a few of a never-ending list.

As emphasized by the recently launched statement, which calls for further people’s support, “the introduction and regulation of corporations’ liabilities nationally and internationally is needed so that States finally start meeting their obligations to protect human rights and the environment against harmful activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises”.

Not only is States’ commitment to the process crucial for the success of the session, but also the mobilization and solidarity of all peoples.

Please read and sign the statement here and mobilize.

Source: Statement — Treaty Alliance