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Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises
About the mandate
The Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises (also referred to as the Working Group on Business and Human Rights) was established by the Human Rights Council in 2011 by resolution 17/4. The Council renewed the Working Group’s mandate in 2014 (resolution 26/22), 2017 (resolution 35/7), in 2020 (resolution 44/15) and in 2023 (resolution 53/3).
As set out in resolution 17/4, the Working Group has a mandate promote, disseminate and implement the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The group is also mandated to exchange and promote good practices and lessons learned on the implementation of the UNGPs, and to assess and make recommendations thereon.
In addition, as per Human Rights Council resolutions 17/4 and 35/7, the Working Group guides and chairs the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, which was established by the Human Rights Council in 2011 and has become the world's largest global gathering on business and human rights. The Forum serves as a key global platform for stakeholders to discuss trends and challenges in the implementation of the UNGPs and promote dialogue and cooperation on issues linked to business and human rights.
Learn more about the mandate and the working methods of the group.
About the members
The Working Group is composed of five independent experts of balanced geographical representation. Collectively, these experts bring diverse skills and experience on the advancement of business respect for human rights across a wide range of countries, issues, and sectors. Access biographies of the members of the Working Group.
Key documents
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework
Frequently Asked Questions on the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
The Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights: An Interpretive Guide
Responsible business conduct in the arms sector: Ensuring business practice in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
Latest country reports
Contact Information
Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Palais des Nations, 8-14, Avenue de la Paix. 1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 917 9159
E-mail: [email protected]
Members
Ms. Elżbieta Karska
(Poland), since 2018
Ms. Fernanda Hopenhaym
(Mexico/Uruguay), since 2021
Ms Pichamon Yeophantong
(Chairperson as of 1 January 2023)
(Thailand), since 2022
Mr. Damilola Olawuyi
(Vice-Chairperson as of 1 January 2023)
Former Members
Ms. Anita Ramasastry
(U.S.A.), 2016-2022
Mr. Surya Deva
(India), 2016-2022
Mr. Githu Muigai
(Kenya), 2018-2022
Mr. Dante Pesce
(Chile), 2015-2021
Mr. Michael Addo
(Ghana), 2011-2018
Mr. Pavel Sulyandziga
(Russian Federation), 2011-2018
Ms. Margaret Jungk
(USA), 2011-2016
Ms. Alexandra Guaqueta
(Colombia), 2011-2015
Mr. Puvan Selvanathan
(Malaysia), 2011-2015
Forum on Business and Human Rights
The UN Forum established by the Human Rights Council in 2011 has become the world's largest global gathering on business and human rights. The three-day conference is held annually in Geneva, normally in November. It is guided and chaired by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights, as per Human Rights Council resolutions 17/4 and 35/7.
The Forum serves as a key global platform for stakeholders to ”discuss trends and challenges in the implementation of the Guiding Principles and promote dialogue and cooperation on issues linked to business and human rights.” It is open to States, business enterprises and associations, civil society organisations, trade unions, victims, academics, students, the media and any other relevant stakeholder.
Please see the webpage of the Forum for further information.