A/HRC/20/29 18. Recent media coverage of the impact on human rights linked to global brands and the increasing attention paid by investors to environmental, social and governance risks further indicate that societies expect companies to respect human rights throughout their operations and business relationships. 9 19. As companies domiciled in emerging economies play an ever greater role in the global marketplace – as seen for example in the increasing global reach of corporations headquartered in the “BRIC” countries (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India and China) – business and human rights concerns are increasingly raised not only in relation to “Western” companies, but also with regard to a much wider suite of companies in all regions and sectors of the economy. 20. Governance gaps lie at the core of the human rights and business challenge. This remains the case for all States and regions and for companies of all sizes, sectors and operational contexts. The Working Group is aware of a broad range of such gaps, concerns and challenges, including in such areas as governance, corruption, conflict zones and persons living in vulnerable situations, including children, indigenous peoples, migrant workers, minorities and persons with disabilities. A gender perspective adds further dimensions to these concerns. 21. Nonetheless, attempts to close the governance gaps with respect to business and human rights are gaining ground. The Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights play a key role in many of these initiatives. IV. Uptake 22. Less than a year after their unanimous endorsement by Human Rights Council, the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have already been incorporated into a number of leading international standards and initiatives and have been used as the basis of important implementation and dissemination efforts by regional intergovernmental organizations, States, national human rights institutions, business organizations and enterprises, and civil society. 23. The initiatives surveyed represent the first positive steps on the journey to comprehensive dissemination and implementation of the Guiding Principles. The Working Group will work to identify and promote ways to build on the strength of these good efforts wherever possible and appropriate, towards the common goal of comprehensive and effective implementation. The Working Group has not yet had the opportunity to undertake a systematic mapping of the status of implementation and dissemination of the Guiding Principles; the current section therefore presents an overview based on information received to date by the Working Group. The examples covered are not exhaustive, and are intended to serve as an indication of the growing diversity of initiatives being undertaken. The Working Group welcomes additional information from all relevant sources regarding activities involving the dissemination or implementation of the Guiding Principles, including, in particular, information concerning good practices and lessons learned in this regard. 9 6 Schoemaker, Dan, “Ruggie’s legal legacy: could human rights become the biggest investor ESG risk?”, Responsible Investor, 8 March 2012.