Defending Democracy and Civic Space in Asia (DDCSA) Webinar #3 “Responsible Business and Human Rights in Asia”

Overview:

Business and Human Rights (BHR) are one of the hottest topics in the current development world after more than 10 years since the UN Guiding Principle on BHR was endorsed at the UN Human Rights Council in 2011. The UN member states are adopting national action plans to mainstream BHR within their operation and guidance for their economies. There has been consistent pressure on governments and regulatory bodies formulate policies and guidelines to ensure that business follows ethical practices. However, we have witness tremendous human rights violation in the global supply chain including child labour,  forced labour, unpaid wages, insufficient environment for workplaces, gender inequality, sexual harassment etc.

The UN Guiding Principle on BHR are grounded in the recognition of following elements;

a) States’ existing obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and fundamental freedoms;
b) The role of business enterprises as specialized organs of society performing specialized functions, required to comply with all applicable laws and to respect human rights;
c) The need for rights and obligations to be matched to appropriate and effective remedies when breached.

As a part of research project on Defending Democracy and Civic Space in Asia (DDCSA) 2023, 3 civil society organizations in India, Mongolia and Nepal, will examine how civil society can contribute to regulate business, raise awareness among people, while promoting sustainable development and enabling environment for all.

This webinar will be held in English language only.

Objectives:

• To raise awareness of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights
• To explore the existing roles and contributions of CSOs in promoting ethical practices in the corporate sector
• To learn how civil society can be mobilized towards the full implementation of BHR practices

Expected participants

• Program officers of NGOs working in Asia
• Policy advocacy staffs
• Executives or board members of NGOs

Keywords:
Business and Human Rights, UN, CSO, National Action Plan, SDG16

Speakers:
Harsh Jaitli, Chief Executive Officer, VANI, India
Urantsooj Gombosuren, Chair, Centre for Human Rights and Development
Arjun Bhattarai, Secretary General, NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN)
Aoi Horiuchi, Senior Advocacy Officer, Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (moderator)

Timelines: (all time in ICT-Indochina Time / GMT+7)
15:00-15:10            Setting the stage, introduction of the theme (Aoi)
15:05-15:45            Presentation from speakers: Harsh, Urna and Arjun
15:45-15:55            Q&A
15:55-16:00            Wrap up

Registration:
https://forms.gle/Du2cYXhgPtRoiuFZ6

Contact:
Aoi Horiuchi, Senior Advocacy Officer, Japan NGO Center for International Cooperation (JANIC)

horiuchi@janic.org