Geneva: Much remains to be done to put human rights at the center of business concerns, Ambassador Omar Zniber, President of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), said in Geneva on Wednesday. “A lot has been done since the Guiding Principles were adopted by the Human Rights Council in 2011, and many lessons have been learned, but much remains to be done,” said Mr. Zniber, who chaired the closing of the 13th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, held from November 25 to 27.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Mr. Zniber emphasized the urgency of implementing the business and human rights agenda to address current and future challenges facing humanity. He pointed out that while states have borders, issues such as the climate crisis, environmental degradation, and violations of workers’ rights and community rights affected by corporate activities transcend these borders.

The Forum, under the theme ‘Realizing the ‘right mix’ of measures to protect human rights in the context of business activities,’ served a
s an opportunity for participants to assess trends and challenges in the implementation of the Guiding Principles and consider potential improvements. It also highlighted positive practices and shared ideas and practical solutions that can drive change in the field.

Mr. Zniber noted that change is achievable, citing examples of effective measures when states and companies demonstrate genuine political will. He also welcomed the increased participation of businesses in the forum, acknowledging their growing role as non-state actors and their importance to the United Nations as interlocutors and partners.

As businesses’ significance increases in a multi-stakeholder environment, so does their responsibility to respect human rights, protect the environment, combat poverty and corruption, and promote inclusive economic and social development, the diplomat elaborated.

The Forum, established by the HRC and organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights since 2012, gathers participants from vari
ous sectors, including governments, international organizations, businesses, civil society, trade unions, communities, lawyers, and academics worldwide. It provides a unique platform to discuss key trends and challenges in implementing and advancing the Guiding Principles.

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights serve as the authoritative global framework guiding states and companies to prevent negative impacts on human rights from business activities.