A/HRC/29/28
Principles in United Nations work and processes have been highlighted in the present
report. These opportunities to align with, and support implementation of, the Guiding
Principles have potential for spurring uptake on a larger scale and contributing to
greater overall coherence in global governance frameworks that directly or indirectly
relate to the Guiding Principles. This would also be a significant contribution to a
more accountable and inclusive post-2015 development framework. States and United
Nations entities are thus encouraged to act on the opportunities highlighted in the
present report.
89.
Although the scope of the report does not enable the Working Group to
examine other areas, such as peace and security and humanitarian action, where the
Guiding Principles would be of similar relevance, these areas should also be subject to
further analysis and engagement. Similarly, there is a need to better delineate roles,
responsibilities and appropriate accountability systems for both States and business
enterprises with regard to specific issues, such as water and sanitation, agricultural
investment, supply chains and child and forced labour, tax avoidance, corruption and
climate justice.
90.
A major challenge is that of achieving policy coherence between States’ conduct
in multilateral institutions that deal with business- and development-related issues
and their international human rights obligations. This is especially relevant in the
context of State-driven processes at the United Nations, including the negotiations on
the post-2015 development agenda. In Guiding Principle 10 the need is stressed for
States to draw on the Guiding Principles to promote a shared understanding and
advance international cooperation to promote respect by business for human rights
and help States meet their duty to protect against human rights abuses by business
enterprises.
91.
The Human Rights Council, in its resolution 26/22, encouraged States to submit
information on their national action plans and other relevant initiatives on business
and human rights, with annual reports on the implementation of such commitments,
and invited all relevant stakeholders to submit relevant information to the Working
Group. The Working Group would like to receive such information from States and
other stakeholders, including in relation to policy coherence. That information would
inform discussions and lesson-sharing, including at the 2015 Forum on Business and
Human Rights. The present report is part of the Working Group’s effort to enhance
cooperation and dialogue with certain key actors, as mandated by Council resolutions
17/4 and 26/22. In that regard, the Working Group would like to highlight its desire to
pursue efforts towards more comprehensive and systematic data collection and
analysis of progress and challenges, including in the areas emphasized in the report. It
looks forward to pursuing a dialogue with relevant organizations, in order to
contribute to more coherent approaches in global governance and ultimately to
improve human rights outcomes at the global and national levels in support of
sustainable development.
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