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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