UNIDO>
25 March 2022
Our new Working Paper Strengthening State Accountability on Business and Human Rights at International Level examines existing mechanisms at the national, regional and international levels for holding states accountable for their performance in implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). In doing so, the paper analyses gaps and opportunities and formulates a series of recommendations to improve this accountability.
‘Ten years after the UNGPs adoption – and as highlighted by the UNGPs 10+ Roadmap for the Next Decade of Business and Human Rights – it is key to ensure that proper implementation mechanisms are in place’ explains Felix Kirchmeier, Manager of Policy Studies at the Geneva Academy.
Geneva Academy
UN
UNIDO>
The paper analyzes the role, shortcomings and potential for accountability of national action plans on business and human rights, of the work of UN human rights mechanisms, as well as of peer review initiatives like the OECD. It develops specific recommendations to enhance accountability, notably via the development of implementation indicators and a centralized database to track and evaluate progress over time.
‘This paper will be of interest to policy-makers and state representatives who try to install stronger, albeit ‘soft law’ mechanisms for accountability’ underlines Felix Kirchmeier.
This paper forms part of our research that accompanied the development of the UNGPs 10+ Roadmap for the Next Decade of Business and Human Rights by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights.
It also complements our research on disruptive technologies and rights-based resilience that supports the development of regulatory and policy responses to human rights challenges linked to digital technologies, including vis the implementation of the UNGPs in the technology space.
Global Torture Index
Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the current highlight of the directory: Global Torture Index
Adobe
Our research brief, Neurotechnology and Human Rights: An Audit of Risks, Regulatory Challenges, and Opportunities, examines the human rights implications of neurotechnology in both therapeutic and commercial applications.
Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.
Adobe
This training course, specifically designed for staff of city and regional governments, will explore the means and mechanisms through which local and regional governments can interact with and integrate the recommendations of international human rights bodies in their concrete work at the local level.
Olivier Chamard / Geneva Academy
The Treaty Body Members’ Platform connects experts in UN treaty bodies with each other as well as with Geneva-based practitioners, academics and diplomats to share expertise, exchange views on topical questions and develop synergies.
Victoria Pickering
This project aims at providing support to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clément Voulé by addressing emerging issues affecting civic space and eveloping tools and materials allowing various stakeholders to promote and defend civic space.