Introduction of draft resolution L.14: «Contribution of the United Nations system as a whole to the advancement of the business and human rights agenda and the dissemination and implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights»
Madam President,
I have the honour to introduce draft resolution L.14 entitled «Contribution of the United Nations system as a whole to the advancement of the business and human rights agenda and the dissemination and implementation of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights» on behalf of a cross regional group of main sponsors, Argentina, Ghana, the Russian Federation and my own country, Norway.
In 2011, the Human Rights Council endorsed the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights. The Guiding Principles provide both states and business enterprises with concrete and practical guidance on how to increase protection from, and remedy, business-related human rights harm.
At the same time the Human Rights Council also requested the UN Secretary General to prepare a report on how the United Nations system as a whole, including programmes and funds and specialised agencies, can contribute to the advancement of the business and human rights agenda and the dissemination and implementation of the Guiding Principles, addressing in particular how capacity-building of all relevant actors to this end can best be addressed within the United Nations system.
The draft resolution before us seeks to support many of the recommendations by the Secretary General, based on the important role the United Nations system can play through capacity building efforts directed at Governments, business enterprises, civil society and other stakeholders. We believe the resolution is part of the fact based and incremental approach so successfully applied to find consensus on an issue which historically has been characterized by deep divisions among various stakeholders.
The resolution
- Underscores the need for a coordinated strategic approach to ensuring integration of the business and human rights agenda in the UN, and the role of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and her office in this respect;
- Underline the important role relevant UN entities and mechanisms can take in supporting dissemination and implementation of the Guiding Principles, and includes suggestions for relevant strategies and initiatives;
- Decides to organise a panel on this issue in 2013 and requests a new report on this issue by June 2014;
- Requests the Secretary General to undertake a feasibility study to explore the establishment of a global fund to enhance the capacity of stakeholders to implement the UN Guiding Principles of Business and Human Rights.
Madam President,
We have held three open informal consultations on the draft resolution, and also consulted delegations bilaterally. On behalf of Argentina, Ghana, the Russian Federation and my own country, Norway, I would like to thank all delegations for their constructive approach and willingness to show flexibility and engage in fruitful discussions on the issue. We have made an effort to take on board concerns.
Finally, I would like to extend a special thanks to the delegations from all regions that have co-sponsored the resolution. It is our strong hope that the resolution will be adopted by consensus.