More than 4,000 participants from across the globe gathered in Geneva and online for the 13th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, marking a constructive moment in advancing human rights protections in business operations worldwide.
The three-day forum, held from 25-27 November 2024, focused on “Realising the smart mix of measures” to protect human rights in business operations, across the world and across all sectors.
The Forum included representatives from governments, businesses, UN bodies, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society, academia, law firms, investment firms, trade unions and media.
Discussions explored pressing global challenges including climate change, technology and artificial intelligence, indigenous peoples’ rights, access to justice, and human rights due diligence. Perspectives from different global regions enriched the dialogue, highlighting the diverse nature of business-related human rights challenges in different countries.
“We must protect human rights defenders working on all issues, from the environment to digital rights, who shine a light on business-related human rights violations and abuses.”
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Nearly 20 NHRIs attended the UN Forum in person and shared their critical role in promoting responsible business conduct and protecting human rights in different sectors.
Representatives from NHRIs and ENNHRI contributed to panel discussions on climate litigation, disability rights and workplace inclusion, corporate sustainability due diligence, and regional perspectives from the MENA region, Africa, and Europe.
A dedicated Networking Hub was also held during the week to promote peer learning and information sharing among participating NHRIs. They exchanged strategies for addressing cross-border business impacts, engaging with small and medium-sized enterprises, and raising awareness about corporate responsibility, including in the digital sphere. GANHRI’s head office, together with a representative from the NHRI of France, facilitated discussions at the hub on behalf of GANHRI Working Group on Business and Human Rights.
Good practices shared during the Networking Hub included:
NHRI representatives also discussed their role to monitor and respond to the impact of business operations on the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, migrant workers, indigenous peoples and human rights defenders.
In her closing remarks to the Forum, Pornprapai Ganjanarintr, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, outlined key priorities:
“Collaboration among NHRIs, through networks such as GANHRI and the Asia Pacific Forum, is also vital for addressing cross-border issues and finding collective solutions,” Ms. Ganjanarintr said.
GANHRI, together with UNDP and OHCHR through the Tripartite Partnership (TPP), supported the participation of representatives from the NHRIs of Moldova, Nigeria and Thailand.
Earlier in 2024, GANHRI’s Annual Conference had focused the role of NHRIs in addressing business and human rights issues, resulting in a strong outcome statement, outlining practical ways to leverage their mandates to protect and promote human rights in business activities.
GANHRI and members of its Caucus on Indigenous Peoples contributed to the 19th session of the United Nations Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), in Geneva from 13 to 17 July, addressing issues such as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and the approaching 20th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The twentieth anniversary of the Human Rights Council marks a significant milestone for the international human rights system. Over two decades, its work has helped shape global norms, strengthen accountability, and provide a platform for dialogue between States and stakeholders, including NHRIs.
From 15 June to 10 July 2026, GANHRI together with its members will engage at HRC62 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
GANHRI welcomes the statement by UN Special Rapporteurs expressing concern about the increasing attacks against NHRIs. The statement highlight the critical role NHRIs play in promoting and protecting human rights, including through their contributions to accountability, access to justice, and the effective functioning of democratic systems.