Some progress made on this historic text. The creation of a legally binding instrument on company responsibility when it comes to human rights violations has been the subject of discussion by a UN intergovernmental working group involving 67 states, as well as NGOs and other actors who can express their expectations, since 2014. This group examined the third version of the text during its sixth session, which took place from 26 to 30 October in Geneva, via video-conference for the most part. This international instrument, which may ultimately take the form of a treaty, would oblige participating states to establish a duty of care for companies regarding the risk of human rights violations and to guarantee access to justice for victims, so that the responsibility of companies can be examined.
UN: negotiations over a treaty on company responsibility in the event of human rights violations make progress, though each side continues to stand firm
On 30 October, the intergovernmental working group concluded the sixth negotiating session on a legally binding instrument on business and human rights, covering the third version of this text. It aims to prevent the risk of human rights abuses as well as to guarantee reparations in the event of breaches, improve access to justice for victims, while also broadening the scope of potential claimants and bolstering the protection afforded to them. While NGOs flag the progress being made, the talks are struggling to make real progress on the substance. Meanwhile employers (International Organisation of Employers) say the new version of the draft still contains too many uncertainties. A new draft is expected in July next year.
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