A/HRC/20/29
Guiding Principles.29 For example, civil society organizations have used the Framework
and the Guiding Principles in relation to the recent review processes of key international
standards, including the OECD Guidelines and the Sustainability Framework of the
International Finance Corporation. They have also been cited by civil society when
commenting on domestic legislation proposals. Moreover, it was brought to the attention of
the Working Group that there is an increasing number of examples of analyses and
advocacy in relation to business activities in specific contexts and industries that are being
informed by the Guiding Principles.30 In the context of the United Nations human rights
system, some organizations have also referenced the Guiding Principles and the Framework
in submissions for the universal periodic review process, to assess implementation of the
State’s duty to protect human rights. 31
G.
Initial considerations
40.
The developments described above that have been brought to the attention of the
Working Group prompt two initial reflections, which will be further addressed in the
section on strategic considerations below. First, while these initiatives enhance
opportunities for the Working Group to be more effective and comprehensive in
disseminating and implementing the Guiding Principles, a majority of State, business and
civil society actors are unaware of the Guiding Principles, precluding even the possibility of
implementation. Second, despite converging standards and initiatives, such as those above,
there remains a significant risk of fragmentation in the interpretation and implementation of
the Guiding Principles. Beyond awareness and commitment, actors and stakeholders in all
regions require support to build capacity to effectively implement the Guiding Principles
within their policies and operations.
V. Feedback from consultations with stakeholders
41.
The proposals and recommendations provided to the Working Group in written
submissions prior to and at the introductory exchange of the first session reflect the vast
scope and complexity of the mandate of the Working Group mandate, and more generally
of the business and human rights agenda. The key trends noted in the observations made by
stakeholders are summarized below. It should be noted that the summary does not pretend
to be exhaustive or to fully reflect the richness of perspectives put forward to the Working
Group.
42.
Inputs from States emphasized that the Working Group should be active in all
regions and maintain a close dialogue with States. Feedback focused on the provisions in
the mandate of the Working Group on disseminating and implementing the Guiding
Principles at the national level, particularly capacity-building and the sharing of knowledge,
and lessons learned and good practices, including at sectoral level. In terms of working
methods, States recommended that the Working Group should develop a close relationship
29
30
31
10
See civil society submissions to the Working Group and prior examples referenced by the Special
Representative of the Secretary-General, available from
www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Business/Pages/Submissions.aspx and
www.business-humanrights.org/media/documents/applications-of-framework-jun-2011.pdf.
See the page of the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre dedicated to the Guiding Principles
at www.business-humanrights.org/Documents/UNGuidingPrinciples.
Institute for Human Rights and Business; see www.ihrb.org/publications/submissions/index.html.
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