A/HRC/21/21
Working Group has recognized that it alone cannot carry out capacity-building efforts and
will need to leverage other efforts.21
62.
To meet this fundamental challenge, it is important that the United Nations system
support the capacity-building efforts of relevant actors. A significant obstacle to this
proposition, however, is the lack of capacity on this issue within the system itself. A critical
first step is therefore to build capacity internally and to ensure that sufficient priority is
given to this agenda by the relevant parts of the system.
63.
In order to generate knowledge and enable integration of business and human rights
into United Nations policies, analysis and programming, there is a need for adequate
training modules on business and human rights that include the Guiding Principles. Such
modules should form part of learning and capacity-building programmes for staff members
and senior managers, including in the field, particularly those facilitated by the United
Nations Development Group. OHCHR is developing training activities and resource
materials to enable it to build the capacity of its own and other United Nations system staff
to support advancing the dissemination and implementation of the Guiding Principles
through their respective programmes and activities. This will be an important contribution
to enabling OHCHR, in collaboration with relevant partners, to support the capacitybuilding efforts of State institutions, including the judiciary, parliaments and national
human rights institutions, as well as civil society and business enterprises, to support the
effective implementation of the Guiding Principles.
64.
Capacity-building for United Nations staff is also needed in areas such as dispute
resolution, negotiation skills (providing technical support for contract negotiations and
management), and integration of business and human rights aspects in national planning
processes.
65.
Besides addressing internal needs, various parts of the United Nations system can
play different and complementary roles in supporting capacity-building efforts directed at
Governments. This is critical to enable Governments to better fulfil their duty to protect
against business-related human rights abuse as specified in the Guiding Principles.
Particularly relevant in this context are Government ministries and public agencies focused
on business-related policy areas that may be frequently unaware of the State’s obligations
under international human rights law – a common factor behind lack of Government policy
coherence.
66.
A key challenge is the lack of awareness of human rights standards, including of the
Guiding Principles, among the majority of the world’s enterprises. Significant
dissemination and capacity-building efforts for this constituency are needed, particularly
among small and medium-sized enterprises. Employers’ organizations, chambers of
commerce and industry bodies would be key interlocutors for such endeavours.
67.
Another key constituency are national human rights institutions, which have shown
great interest in building their capacity on business and human rights and on being better
equipped to play a role in supporting the implementation of the Guiding Principles,
resolving business-related human rights disputes and as convenors and facilitators of multistakeholder dialogue at the national level.
68.
Capacity-building is equally important for non-governmental organizations, trade
unions, human rights defenders, academics and other stakeholders, including individuals
and groups that may be adversely affected by business activity, in order to strengthen
advocacy efforts and to promote access to remedies and accountability. A core focus of
21
A/HRC/20/29.
13
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