Business calls for National Action Plans on business and human rights

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has joined with eight other business organizations to release a statement calling on states to implement the State Duty to Protect Human Rights.

The statement on National Action Plans (NAPs) on Business and Human Rights was issued today on the concluding day of the United Nations Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights.

An abridged version of the statement which reaffirms business support for NAPs and provides perspectives on ways forward was read out during a forum session entitled: “National action plans to implement the UN Guiding Principles: stepping up government commitments and action.”

” Not only are the rights of the most vulnerable at stake, but business thrives when operating in jurisdictions with stable operating environments that support rule of law, justice, human rights, and sustainable development, ” the statement said.

Encouraging states to engage with the business community to learn from business experiences in dealing with human rights commitments, the statement was developed by the ICC, Business For Social Responsibility, the Foreign Trade Association; the Global Business Initiative on Human Rights; the International Council for Mining and Metals; the International Organisation of Employers; the US Council for International Business; the UN Global Compact; and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

With only eight countries having implemented national action plans, ICC is also undertaking efforts to mobilise its global network of national representatives, known as national committees, to call on their respective governments to develop a national plan in order to align national laws with global standards.

Read the full text of the Joint Statement on National Action Plans.