ABOUT
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) provide the authoritative global framework for the respective duties and responsibilities of governments and business enterprises to prevent, mitigate and address business-related human rights abuses. They also offer a blueprint for how business respect for human rights can support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in line with international human rights standards.
Although the Pacific region has made some progress in raising awareness about the UNGPs and promoting business respect for human rights, Pacific countries face both common and unique challenges – e.g., low level of awareness about business and human rights (BHR) standards, governance gaps including related to corruption, gender-based violence, irresponsible exploitation of natural resources, exploitation of migrant workers, disproportionate impact of climate change, unsustainable tourism, and barriers to access to remedy – in implementing the UNGPs and harnessing the power of businesses to contribute to the 2030 Agenda.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Regional Office for the Pacific and the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UNWG) continue the momentum of trying to understand these challenges and identifying opportunities to promote responsible and sustainable business conduct in the Pacific through the 2nd UN Pacific Forum on Business and Human Rights.
OBJECTIVES
The 2nd UN Pacific Forum seeks:
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to raise awareness and build capacity of various stakeholders around BHR standards, especially the UNGPs;
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to take stock of the key challenges, opportunities and progress made in the Pacific in implementing the UNGPs;
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to instigate the process towards developing national action plans on business and human rights;
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to explore linkages in the implementation of the UNGPs and the 2030 Agenda in times of COVID-19;
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to encourage peer-learning amongst States, NHRIs, businesses, industry associations, international organisations, trade unions, CSOs and academics in the Pacific facilitating the regional exchange of good practices in implementing the UNGPs and the SDGs; and
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to explore ways to strengthen access to effective remedy for business-related human rights abuses.
PROGRAMME
Monday, November 22
Tuesday, November 23
10:15 GMT+12
11:30 GMT+12
13:45 GMT+12
15:15 GMT+12
16:45 GMT+12
Climate change, the environment and reaching net zero – realizing the right to a healthy environment
Wednesday, November 24
09:00 GMT+12
10:30 GMT+12
12:00 GMT+12
14:15 GMT+12
15:45 GMT+12
Speakers
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Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji
Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
Regional Representative for the Pacific
Pacific Islands Association of Non-Government Organizations (PIANGO)
Executive Director
New Zealand Human Rights Commission
Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner
Samoa Office of the Ombudsman/National Human Rights Institution
Director of Human Rights
The University of Queensland
Principal Research Fellow at Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, Sustainable Minerals Institute (senior extractives and Pacific specialist)
International Labour Organization (ILO)
Decent Work and International Labour Standards Specialist
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United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Regional Coordinator (Asia and the Pacific) of Environmental Law and Governance
Diverse Voices and Action for Equality (DIVA)
Executive Director, Political Advisor
Human, Ecological and Indigenous Rights defender, Fiji
Human, Ecological and Indigenous Rights defender
UNDP Pacific
Environmental Specialist and Department Team Leader, Resilience & Sustainable Development (RSD) Team
Pacific Islands Climate Action Network/ Alliance for Future Generations - Fiji
Climate Justice Activist
United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
Regional Technical Specialist, Ecosystem and Incubation
The Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Human Rights Officer (Focal point for climate and business and Human Rights in the Pacific)
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Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific
Programme Manager (Civil Society, Gender, Human Rights, Health)
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The University of Queensland
Principal Research Fellow, Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
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