GANHRI advocates for NHRI recognition in UN Business and Human Rights LBI negotiations
From 20-24 October 2025, GANHRI contributed to the negotiations of a legally binding instrument (LBI) on business and human rights during the Eleventh Session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with respect to Human Rights (OEIGWG). The session, chaired by Ecuador, focused on Articles 12-24 of the draft text.
The National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) of France and Germany represented GANHRI Working Group on Business and Human Rights, contributing to the negotiations and delivering key recommendations to strengthen the future instrument.
Advocating for a strong, inclusive treaty process
GANHRI reiterated support for a legally binding international instrument that addresses persistent protection and accountability gaps across global value chains, particularly in transnational business activities.
In its statement, GANHRI urged all States to engage constructively and transparently in the negotiations, noting this engagement should aim to “build broad, cross-regional support for an instrument that strengthens the prevention of human rights violations and ensures access to redress for victims.”
As outlined in GANHRI’s 2024 Annual Conference Outcome Statement, the treaty should build upon and reinforce the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This is particularly important given current global challenges, including conflict, climate crisis, rapid technological change, and deepening inequalities.
Recognising the role of NHRIs
GANHRI called on States to meaningfully engage with NHRIs throughout the drafting process and to explicitly recognise their role in the implementation and monitoring of the future instrument.
With mandates under the Paris Principles, NHRIs are uniquely positioned to promote and protect human rights in the context of business activities. This includes monitoring compliance, advising governments, raising awareness, and handling complaints.
GANHRI’s latest position paper provided detailed recommendations on the articles under consideration during the session, focusing on integrating NHRIs as key actors in the future instrument’s follow-up and monitoring mechanisms.
Looking ahead
The session concluded with the Chair-Rapporteur presenting a summary of the intersessional thematic consultations on Articles 4-11. The Chair-Rapporteur also presented the 2026 roadmap for the implementation of Human Rights Council Decision 56/116, with next steps to enhance the OEIGWG’s support capabilities and ensure continuity of the negotiation process.
Through its Working Group on Business and Human Rights, GANHRI continues engaging with States and stakeholders in the negotiation process, across national, regional and global levels.
