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On 01 August 2014 Germany introduced a process for the creation of a National Action Plan to implement the UN Guiding Principles.
The Constitution of the Republic of Angola defends and protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens. It is the fundamental task of the Angolan state to promote harmonious and sustainable development throughout the national territory, protecting the country’s environment, natural resources and historic, cultural and artistic heritage, as set out in Article 21 of the Constitution. Angola is party to almost all human rights conventions and the main environmental protection protocols and conventions (Climate Change Convention, known as the Kyoto Protocol, the Montreal Protocol on the Ozone Layer, the Biodiversity Convention, the Convention on Drought and Desertification, and many others.
Angola is state party to the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process started in May 2000, when South Africa brought more than 30 producer countries together. It now has 75 member countries that are involved in the production, export, import or trade of diamonds. It aims to stop armed groups producing and selling rough diamonds to fund armed conflicts and overthrow legitimate governments. It also aims to stop them from discrediting the legitimate market for rough diamonds and to protect the legal diamond industry, which is important to the economic and social development of many countries. Angola wants: the purchase and sale of diamonds to take place in a transparent way on an official market; to stop diamonds and other natural resources from being used as a source of funds for illegal business; to ensure respect for the international market and guarantee the human rights of citizens, whether their countries are party to the process or not. In addition, Angolan has a series of laws to protect workers’ rights and regulate the activities of security companies and extractive industries in the country. The Angolan government has adopted a range of measures to protect the environment. Its environmental policy aims to improve the quality of life of citizens who live in areas where natural resources are produced and to avoid disrupting the biogeochemical cycles indispensable to maintaining biodiversity.
El Ministerio de Desarrollo Social de la Nación se encuentra gestionando políticas públicas integrales que promueven el desarrollo de las personas y las comunidades, en un marco de inclusión, restitución de derechos e igualdad de oportunidades.
En este sentido, la Subsecretaría de Responsabilidad Social funciona desde 2012 bajo la órbita de la Secretaría de Coordinación y Monitoreo Institucional, es una muestra del camino que transita Argentina en la materia.
Desde el sector gubernamental consideramos que el concepto de Responsabilidad Social debe ser transversal a los actores y enfocarse en un modo de gestión conjunta capaz de potenciar las diversas miradas, recursos y capacidades que se encuentran en marcha a lo largo de nuestro país.
El enfoque que promovemos invita a trabajar con diferentes actores sociales (empresas, organizaciones sociales, universidades, organismos estatales, entre otros) en la protección de los recursos naturales, en la protección de la cultura, desandando inequidades sociales en la diversidad, en pos del bienestar común. Por consiguiente, la misión del área –la primera de su especie en Latinoamérica-, es facilitar y acompañar iniciativas de articulación público-privada desde un enfoque de desarrollo sustentable y sostenible.
En este contexto, el Estado adquiere un rol activo, presente y promotor de profundas transformaciones en la calidad de vida de las personas y las comunidades. Pero estos cambios no se producen “desde el escritorio”, sino a partir de “caminar el territorio” y del diálogo con los actores sociales de cada lugar, redoblando esfuerzos, integrando acciones y dejando atrás actitudes individualistas y oportunistas.
Participar en marco del Paradigma de Responsabilidad Social que promovemos desde el Ministerio de Desarrollo Social implica poner en práctica valores y comportamientos que fortalecen la sostenibilidad, la inclusión, la justicia y el desarrollo social, orientados a consolidar una sociedad con crecientes niveles de integración, creación y distribución de la riqueza.
Si bien la Responsabilidad Social es una temática históricamente abordada desde el ámbito privado, el Estado se ha involucrado en este escenario con el objetivo de promover el trabajo intersectorial con una mirada integral y coordinar esfuerzos institucionales (enfoques y recursos), para lograr gestiones efectivas, eficaces y competentes. Desde la gestión de las políticas sociales, la integralidad es entendida en dos sentidos:* integralidad en la mirada, desde el respeto en la construcción territorial, superando la visión fragmentada; * integralidad en la gestión, desde la articulación intersectorial, multi-actoral e interjurisdiccional.
The Brazilian government does not yet have a specific programme or plan relating to the promotion of human rights by companies, although occasional initiatives have been taken by some bodies. These include the so-called "Dirty List” of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Child Labour Eradication Programme (PETI) of the Ministry of Social Development and Fight Against Hunger. The "Dirty List" is a register of employers, updated half-yearly, which lists individuals and legal entities that have been fined for using slave labour. Those individuals and legal entities are banned from receiving any type of public funding. The PETI, meanwhile, is strategically structured around five areas of action: information and mobilization, with the conducting of public hearings and campaigns; active detection and registration in the federal government's Single Registry for Social Programmes; income transfer, integration of children, adolescents and families in social welfare services, and referral to health, education, culture, recreation or employment services; strengthening of supervision actions and family support through the application of protective measures, articulated with the judiciary, Public Prosecution Service and Guardianship Councils (Conselhos Tutelares); and monitoring.
Bulgaria is a State Party on every international treaties on human rights. In 2009 Bulgaria passed a National Strategy on Corporate Social Responsibility. Since then Bulgaria follows the European common policy on CSR in the context of Business and Human Rights. Bulgaria is not a big country with population of less than 7 million people and has no many public or private international enterprises that operates on areas in risk of human rights abuses. Therefore Bulgaria implements the human rights and fundamental principles adhering the international and domestic law tenets.
The Government of Belgium, both at the Federal and federated levels, has taken a series of initiatives to improve companies’ impact on promotion and protection of Human Rights in the past, essentially in the framework of CSR policies.
Following the adoption of the UN Guiding Principles in 2011 and the EU Action Plan for Human Rights and Democracy, the Government of Belgium has decided to draw up a National Action Plan specifically focused on Business & Human Rights to address the existing gaps.
A number of administrations are now working on this NAP, that should be completed by early 2015.
A series of steps have already been taken in the process, such as the basis analysis (Gap Analysis/Mapping) and a first stakeholder consultation.
Entre las iniciativas que se han llevado a cabo, podemos destacar el Punto Nacional de Contacto de OCDE (PNC). En Chile, el PNC está radicado en la Dirección de Relaciones Económicas Internacionales del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y está conformado por tres órganos principales:
Secretaría Ejecutiva: Órgano conformado por el Punto Nacional de Contacto y los funcionarios asociados a éste. Las principales funciones de esta Secretaría son el apoyo y colaboración en el estudio y seguimiento de los casos presentados ante el PNC, reunión con las partes, y los Consejos respectivos, y la coordinación y organización de las actividades de difusión.
Comité Espejo: Es un órgano conformado por representantes del sector empresarial; representantes de las organizaciones sindicales; representantes de las organizaciones no gubernamentales; y expertos. Tiene como atribución principal asesorar en sus labores al Punto Nacional de Contacto. Asimismo, se busca que este Consejo sea una instancia para informar acerca del trabajo del PNC en su labor de difusión y el tratamiento de los casos que recibe.
Consejo Consultivo: Este Consejo está conformado por representantes de instituciones públicas. Su objetivo principal es asesorar al PNC en el cumplimiento de sus objetivos, especialmente, en el tratamiento de los casos que sean sometidos a su conocimiento, elaborando recomendaciones sobre cómo proceder, siendo consultadas áreas específicas de dicho Consejo que permitan emitir conceptos técnicos relacionados con la materia objeto del caso específico presentado.
Otra iniciativa que emprendió el Estado de Chile fue la creación del Consejo de Responsabilidad Social para el Desarrollo Sostenible del Ministerio de Economía, instancia multi actor que considera los Principios Rectores de Naciones Unidas sobre derechos humanos y empresas como uno de los instrumentos de su trabajo.
Por último, una iniciativa que se encuentra en desarrollo es la Guía País de Derechos Humanos y Empresas, que se está trabajando bajo la orientación del Instituto Danés de Derechos Humanos. La Guía País es una herramienta gratuita, comprensiva y de fácil acceso para las empresas y otras partes interesadas, destinada a identificar los impactos adversos a los derechos humanos que puedan causar sus operaciones (incluidos aquellos impactos relacionados con sus cadenas de valor, proveedores u otros socios comerciales) en países específicos. La Guía es una plataforma virtual, organizada de acuerdo a temas, que las empresas pueden consultar para evitar impactos adversos en los derechos humanos.
El trabajo del gobierno Colombiano en materia de Derechos Humanos y Empresas ha consistido principalmente en la difusión de los Principios rectores entre sociedad civil, empresas y sector público para genera un espacio a dicha agenda en el país. Sin embargo, en busca de avanzar de una forma más proactiva en la aplicación de los PRNU, se ha realizado algunas iniciativas de las cuales sería interesante destacar dos:
1) Grupo de Trabajo: La creación de un grupo interinstitucional de Derechos Humanos y Empresas en el marco del Sistema Nacional de Derechos Humanos, máximo órgano rector en Derechos Humanos del país creado con el decreto 4100 de 20111. Dicho grupo fue creado con el propósito de crear un espacio inter- agencial desde el cual los diferentes asuntos que relacionan a las empresas con los DDHH. En este primer año y medio de funcionamiento, el trabajo se ha centrado en la elaboración del documento “Lineamientos para una Política Pública de Derechos Humanos y Empresas” que fue lanzado en Julio de 2014 y que será la base del Plan Nacional de Acción que se desarrolle en 2015.
Se espera que este grupo asuma un rol de coordinación para el direccionamiento de las acciones del Estado en la materia, la revisión de problemáticas generalizadas relacionadas con el tema, y la supervisión de las acciones que se adelanten en el marco del Plan Nacional de Acción que se elaborará.
2) Estructuras de Gobernanza: La conflictividad en los territorios impone la necesidad de adelantar medidas orientadas al impulso y a la generación de espacios de concertación y dialogo social tripartito entre Sociedad Civil, Empresas y Gobierno a través de lo que llamamos estructuras de gobernanza, que son espacios que tienen como finalidad solucionar los conflictos en materia de DDHH por la vía del diálogo y la participación. La estructura entonces funciona como estrategia de mitigación de impactos causados por el desarrollo de megaproyectos. Los primeros pilotos de esta estrategia se están implementando en el Proyecto Hidroeléctrico el Quimbo y en HidroItuango. Esta iniciativa se basa en modelos de gobernanza conjunta dirigidos a reconocer la diversidad de intereses, identificar los niveles de complejidad de las interacciones, localizar las fuentes de las tensiones y actuar sobre los puntos que pueden ser modificados, convirtiendo dichas tensiones en oportunidades a mediano y largo plazo, revisando qué tipo de interacciones y actores están implicados en la situación y cuáles son sus percepciones y opiniones
La implementación de la estructura de gobernanza para estos proyectos busca
a. Articular, coordinar y gestionar la respuesta de las entidades competentes;
b. Garantizar la participación de la comunidad y sus diferentes representatividades en los procesos de veeduría y control social ciudadano;
c. Realizar el seguimiento a obligaciones, compromisos y acuerdos previos y aquellos establecidos en el desarrollo y operación del proyecto.
d. Propiciar y gestionar los procesos periódicos y eventuales de rendición de cuentas;
e. Establecer canales idóneos y prácticos de relacionamiento entre la Empresa, las comunidades y las administraciones territoriales del orden nacional, departamental y municipal;
Yes, among the initiatives the following can be highlighted:
The establishment of a non-judicial mediation and complaints-handling institution for responsible business conduct (remedy). The institution assesses complaints based on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Companies and the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights: [link]
The institution was established based on the recommendations of the Danish Council for CSR: [link]
The introduction of mandatory reporting for the largest Danish companies on human rights policies: [link]
The development of a National Action Plan for the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights (NAP): [link]
The establishment of an interministerial working group to look at barriers for extraterritorial legislation, including developments in other countries.
Defensoría del Consumidor:
En materia de protección de los derechos de las personas consumidoras:
Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social:
Ley de Prevención de Riesgos en los Lugares de Trabajo, aprobada en el año 2010 y entro en vigencia en año 2012, por la Asamblea Legislativa y tiene por objeto establecer los requisitos de seguridad y salud ocupacional que deben aplicarse en los lugares de trabajo, a fin de establecer el marco básico de garantías y responsabilidades que garantice un adecuado nivel de protección de la seguridad y la saludo de los y las trabajadoras, frente a los riesgos derivados del trabajo de acuerdo a sus aptitudes psicológica y fisiológicas para el trabajo, sin perjuicio con la leyes especiales que se dicten para cada actividad económica en particular.
No specific initiatives have been taken so far in this regard. However, the Government’s general approach is focused on respect and protection of all human rights, including adopting of measures aimed at eliminating possible negative impacts on human rights.
The Government of the Republic of Slovenia has taken the following steps to reduce companies negative impact on Human Rights, that we consider particularly successful:
1. No realizarán ni financiarán ninguna actuación que comporte un riesgo inaceptable de contribuir o ser cómplice de actuaciones u omisiones que vulneren estos principios, tales como violaciones de derechos humanos, corrupción, daños medioambientales y sociales.
2. No ofrecerán ni darán a un tercero, ni pretenderán, ni aceptarán, ni harán que se prometa directa o indirectamente para sí o para otra parte ningún donativo o pago, contraprestación o ventaja de ninguna clase que se considere o pueda considerarse como una práctica ilegal y corrupta.”
Yes, one example is the U.S. government’s participation in multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs). Multi-stakeholder initiatives are voluntary initiatives by which stakeholders, including companies, governments, and civil society; work together to address challenges of collective concern that no one actor may be able to solve on its own. Examples of MSIs that the U.S. government participates in are the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (Voluntary Principles) Initiative, The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC), and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
For example, extractive industry companies operate in some of the most challenging and conflict-affected environments in the world. The Voluntary Principles Initiative is a MSI that promotes implementation of a set of principles that guide oil, gas, and mining companies on providing security for their operations in a manner that respects human rights. For example, the principles guide companies in conducting a comprehensive human rights risk assessment in their engagement with public and private security providers to help ensure human rights are respected in the protection of company facilities and premises. The U.S. government has devoted significant time and energy towards strengthening outreach to encourage other governments to join the Voluntary Principles Initiative, and to encourage companies to implement the principles. It has devoted over $1 million in programmatic funds to support this objective. Corporate participants in the Voluntary Principles Initiative commit to implement the principles in their business practices. In order to continue to enhance implementation of the principles, some company participants are increasing their focus on accountability. Over the last few years, 15 Voluntary Principles Initiative companies have been piloting ways of verifying their commitments to the Initiative. Since that time, Voluntary Principles participants have developed and are implementing verification frameworks to build upon this process. Verification processes will help companies maintain high standards while they do business in some of the most challenging areas of the world, as well as enhance transparency.
The ICoC is the product of a multi-stakeholder process aimed at raising the standards of private security companies (PSCs) operating in complex environments around the world. The ICoC sets forth principles on issues including the use of force, detention, slavery and forced labour. The ICoC has been signed by over 600 PSCs, including many that contract with the U.S. government in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. PSCs that sign the ICoC affirm that they have a responsibility to respect the human rights of all those affected by their business activities; commit to establish and demonstrate internal processes to meet the requirements of the ICoC’s principles and the standards derived from the ICoC; and commit to submit to and become certified by ongoing independent monitoring by the soon-to-be-established ICoC oversight mechanism. The U.S. government has engaged in and supported this process from the beginning, and has a representative on the ICoC Association Board of Directors.
The EITI provides an international standard by which countries reconcile and publish revenues paid by extractive companies and revenues received by governments for extractive activities. The process is managed in each country by a multi-stakeholder group of government, civil society, and company representatives. In May 2013, the international EITI Board adopted extensive revisions to the EITI rules to make them more effective in promoting transparency and accountability in the extractives sector. The updated rules will help ensure EITI data is comprehensive, reliable, and usable by citizens in holding their governments accountable. The U.S. government has been a strong supporter of EITI since its founding over 10 years ago, recognizing that transparency is a critical component of sound governance in countries’ oil and other extractive sectors. President Obama’s September 2011 announcement that the U.S. government would not only support, but also implement the EITI underscored the Administration’s belief that this initiative benefits countries in all regions and all levels of development. A State Department representative serves as an Alternate on the international EITI Board and the State Department supports the U.S. Department of the Interior in implementing the EITI domestically. Implementing EITI is one of the commitments made by the U.S. government in its Open Government Partnership (OGP) national action plan.
Please see the U.S. Government Approach to Business and Human Rights for more examples of relevant initiatives: [link]
Expansion of the space that values the principles of human rights, democracy, rule of law, and advancement of international law is one of Estonia’s five priorities in foreign policy. Estonia focuses especially on protecting the rights of women, children and indigenous people, because these groups are often more vulnerable than others and are more likely to fall victim to discrimination.
Respect of human rights, both within and outside the territory of Estonia is a constitutional obligation that extends to all Estonian nationals, residents and companies operating in Estonia. Estonia takes and has taken into account the principles of human rights in development and cooperation projects and in foreign trade and export policy. Estonia applies the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights through a variety of thematic development plans and strategies.
In November 2012 the Government published a CSR Action Plan ([link]), which defined CSR more preciously than before and clarified what was expected from companies. The action plan includes various activities related to export credit agencies, SMEs, the prevention of corruption and money laundering, CSR communication, responsible mining, public procurement, and state ownership steering. The Government also committed to prepare a national implementation plan on the UNGPs in the CSR action plan.
The national implementation of the UNGPs was launched in September 2014 based on a proposed action plan. The plan is available online here: [link].
Both of these plans were prepared with strong commitment from different Ministries and by including stakeholders in the process. Discussion with stakeholders continues especially in sector specific round tables, which seek to further increase dialogue between businesses and civil society, share information, and possible form new partnerships. Other key aspects of the UNGP implementation plan are the legislative report on certain aspects of Finnish legislation, responsible public procurement, training and communication, and state ownership policy and social responsibility.
Yes. On July 21, 2009 the Government of Ghana set up under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) a six-member Committee to study the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice Report on: “The State of Human Rights in Mining Communities in Ghana", (2008) to advise on the implementation of recommendations of the report. MEST set up a panel on the spill/discharge of water containing sodium cyanide by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) at the Kenyasi-Ahafo South Project (The panel recommended payment of compensation by NGGL). A Panel constituted by MEST in December, 2009 investigated the spillage of low toxicity oil based mud by Kosmos Energy, Ghana in the Jubilee Field, Offshore.
Yes, the government has taken initiatives in relation to human rights and business.
These are reflected in the Guinean constitution, particularly freedom of initiative, freedom of enterprise and the right to safe, peaceful enjoyment of one's property.
In addition, the private sector is organized on the basis of of free will, made up of employers, the Chamber of Commerce and, in short, non-governmental organizations of non-state actors.
On-going dialogue and periodic consultations are organised between the government and private sector businesses, trade unions and the Economic and Social Council to reflect on all the issues concerning investment in human capital, business, technology, the environment and energy sources.
I don't think that [the] Indonesia[n] government has taken an initiative regarding...business compliance to human rights standards.
N/A
Several rights at workplace were defined as human rights by courts- labour courts and high court. Among them freedom of association, the right of strike, the right of personal privacy. Enforcement of labour laws and rights at work became a central issue in the activities of the ministry. A new comprehensive law of tightening enforcement of labour laws and several extension orders was enacted and came into force during 2012.New and more inspectors were recruited in order to strengthen enforcement by administrative fines. The initiative to legislate this important law and shaping its content were accompanied by series of discussions with social partners - the unions and employers' organizations and with several associations which render services and advocacy to fragile sectors such as migrant workers, agency workers, persons with disabilities.
National Labour Court decisions help to maintain basic human rights such as the freedom of association, the right of strike and the right to privacy at workplace.
Our unit assists keeping human rights by its authority backed by law by denial of registration of collective agreements that discriminative clauses are included in the signed agreement.
Japan promotes human rights education and enlightenment in a synthetic and planned manner, based on the Basic Plan on Human Rights Education and Enlightenment (approved in a Cabinet meeting in March 2002, and partially modified in 2011), which was based on the Act of Promoting Human Rights Education and Promoting Human Rights Development (implemented in December 2000). As a part of the enlightenment activities, Japan hosts lecture meetings and symposiums for industry and business sectors in all parts of the country on various human rights issues regarding business activities from the viewpoint of corporate social responsibility. The seminars held so far are listed on the webpage in the Japanesel anguage at: [link] Japan also distributes leaflets that will be helpful for enlightenment activities on corporate social responsibility and others.
No
The Government of Malta introduced a number of mandatory conditions in Public Procurement which have come into force to fight precarious employment. The conditions also apply for existent contracts and no contract will be renewed before all conditions are met.
Malta does also consider the right to privacy to be a fundamental human right, which is safeguarded and enshrined in our Constitution. The enforcement of the right to privacy is facilitated by the protection of personal data from abuse.
The Data Protection Act of 2001 was enacted in Malta on the 14th December 2001, with both sides of the House of Representatives voting in favour of it. This continued to further confirm Malta’s tradition t of upholding democratic values, foremost amongst which is the right of the individual to privacy.
The Data Protection Act 2001 provides for the protection of individuals against the violation of their privacy by the processing of personal data and for matters connected therewith or ancillary thereto.
The Data Protection Act was brought fully into force on the 15th July 2003, enabling data subjects to enjoy their rights under the Act.
The Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs & Civil Liberties has also embarked on the drafting of an Integration Strategy for immigrants residing in Malta.
In 2011, a new piece of legislation was introduced, the Employment Status National Standard Order (SL 452. 108). This Order addresses the issue of false self employment. Indeed, it lifts the veil of self employment where it is clear that the persons concerned are in actual fact employees. Moreover, it protects workers who are falsely declared as self employed by ensuring that they are granted all the rights and entitlements enjoyed by all employees.
Broad consultation was undertaken with trade unions and employers.
NB: All the ILO conventions and recommendations have been taken into account.
The government, through the Ministry of Justice, in partnership with civil society, represented by the Mozambique Human Rights League, has embarked on a Business and Human Rights initiative. It draws on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and other initiatives, such as the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights in Extractive Industries.
Si, el Estado Mexicano ha tomado diversas medidas para salvaguardar las actividades de desarrollo, en comunión con el medio ambiente, respetando los derechos humanos de las personas posiblemente afectadas:
El Instituto Nacional de la Economía Social (INAES) ha adoptado iniciativas destinadas a reducir los impactos negativos de las empresas del Sector Social de la Economía en los derechos humanos; dicha iniciativa se ve actualmente reflejada en las Reglas de Operación del Programa de Fomento a la Economía Social (ROFONAES) publicadas en el Diario Oficial de la Federación el 20 de diciembre de 2013 específicamente en el 2º párrafo de la regla 6.1 que establece: “Los Organismos del Sector Social de la Economía (OSSE) deberán aceptar los fines, valores, principios y prácticas a que refieren los artículo 8, 9 , 10 y 11 de la Ley de la Economía Social y Solidaria (LESS)”, con lo cual se fomenta una conducta orientadora, al interior y exterior de los Organismos del Sector Social de la Economía (OSSE para el respecto de los derechos humanos).
Cabe señalar que las ROFONAES, en su versión de anteproyecto fueron sometidas a la opinión de los particulares a través del portal de la COFEMER del 6 al10 de diciembre de 2013.
Con base en el PND, la Secretaría de Economía elaboró el Programa de Desarrollo Innovador 2013-2018 (PRODEINN), el cual prevé que México incremente y mejore su competitividad y nivel de inversión, mejore el marco regulatorio aplicable; fortalezca el mercado interno y propicie mejores condiciones para el consumidor; incremente la productividad con una política innovadora de fomento a la industria, comercio y servicios; fomente la innovación como impulsora del desarrollo económico; impulse el emprendimiento y fortalezca el desarrollo empresarial y los organismos del sector social de la economía, y consolide la política de apertura comercial para promover la participación de México en la economía global, mediante el aprovechamiento y fomento de las oportunidades de negocio.
El 30 de abril de 2014, se publicó en el Diario Oficial de la Federación el Programa Nacional de Derechos Humanos, cuyo cuarto objetivo es “Fortalecer la protección de los derechos humanos”, en donde se incluyó una estrategia para promover el enfoque de derechos humanos y género en el sector privado, así como en las políticas y actividades empresariales. Con ello se busca fomentar mecanismos dirigidos a garantizar el respeto a los derechos humanos en las empresas, y que éstas incluyan los derechos humanos en sus principios, códigos y políticas. Dicha estrategia señala lo siguiente:
“Estrategia 4.4. Promover el enfoque de derechos humanos y género en el sector privado, así como en las políticas y actividades empresariales.
Líneas de acción
4.4.1. Fortalecer los mecanismos dirigidos a garantizar el respeto a los derechos humanos en las empresas y el sector privado.
4.4.2. Fomentar que las empresas difundan los derechos humanos y los incluyan en sus declaraciones de principios, códigos y políticas.
4.4.3. Impulsar el enfoque de derechos humanos en la responsabilidad social empresarial.
4.4.4. Promover que la legislación que regula a las empresas garantice el respeto a los derechos humanos.
4.4.5. Coadyuvar a que las empresas conozcan sus obligaciones en materia de derechos humanos respecto a sus trabajadores y usuarios.”
Asimismo, es preciso mencionar que, incluso desde antes de la elaboración de los Principios Rectores, se adoptaron medidas para llevar a cabo el desarrollo de proyectos de competencia federal como puede ser: hidráulicos, de vías generales de comunicación, turísticos, de hidrocarburos, acuícolas, etc., previstos en el Ley General del Equilibrio Ecológico y la Protección al Ambiente de 1988 (LGEEPA), con modificaciones sustanciales en 1996 y 2000; así como en su Reglamento de la LGEEPA en materia del Impacto Ambiental de los mismos años.
La Dirección General de Gestión de la Calidad del Aire y Registro de Emisiones y Transferencia de Contaminantes (DGGCARETC) tiene la atribución de regular en materia de atmósfera a los establecimientos de jurisdicción federal y de integrar el Registro de Emisiones y Transferencia de Contaminantes (RETC), dando así cumplimiento a lo establecido en los artículos 4 de la Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos y artículo 15, Fracción XII, de la LGEEPA, sobre el derecho a un medio ambiente sano para el desarrollo y bienestar de todas las personas.
A través de la Licencia Ambiental Única y la Licencia de Funcionamiento, se regula a las empresas para que cumplan con lo establecido en el Reglamento de la LGEEPA en materia de Prevención y Control de la Contaminación de la Atmósfera, en la Ley General para la Prevención y Gestión Integral de los Residuos y su Reglamento, en las Normas Oficiales Mexicanas, en los resolutivos de Impacto Ambiental, en los permisos de descarga de aguas residuales y en los Programas de Contingencias Ambientales.
Por su parte, a través del Registro de Emisiones y Transferencia de Contaminantes (RETC), se publica información, por establecimiento, sobre la liberación de sustancias tóxicas con impactos significativos a ecosistemas, biodiversidad y en general a los recursos naturales (agua, aire y suelo) y a la salud de la población. Con ello se fortalece el derecho a la información de la sociedad para conocer los impactos al ambiente y a la salud derivados de las actividades industriales en su localidad.
La Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes, desde hace 4 años a capacitado en esta materia a su personal a través de la Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos (CNDH), llegando a las 62 Unidades Administrativas que la conforman.
Independientemente que las Unidades Administrativas de la SCT han impartido acciones en esta materia; ya que cada UA tiene su responsable de capacitación y presupuesto.
Norway introduced one of the first CSR white papers (Report to the Parliament No 10, 2008-2009) in which the government inter alia expressed expectations that companies respect human rights in all their activities, including childrens, womens and indigenous peoples rights as formulated in international conventions, and that companies base their activities on the ILO core conventions. Two proposed measures in the white paper have been implemented that carry great potential to reduce companies’ negative impacts on human rights.
One has been strengthening the Norwegian National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. The NCP was reformed and made more independent of the Government in 2011 with an independent expert panel and a dedicated secretariat of two full time positions as well as a dedicated budget from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The NCP signed up for a voluntary peer review in the OECD system in 2012 and the report released in January 2014 by the review team highlighted that the reform of the NCP seemed to have been successful in terms of increasing the NCP’s efficiency and legitimacy especially internationally and amongst most key stakeholders in Norway. Providing the NCP with dedicated resources was singled out as key. Some questions have also been raised pertaining to the NCP’s institutional arrangement. To clarify certain issues around the NCP as an in substance independent public body, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced a more specific mandate to the NCP in 2014, reflecting the OECD Guidelines’ Procedural Guidance and in addition, amongst other issues, the mandate specifies that the NCP shall strive to fulfil the UNGP’s effectiveness criteria for non-judicial grievance mechanisms (UNGP 31). Currently the NCP, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is undertaking a project to assist companies in starting or improving human rights due diligence processes. The project builds on inspiration from a Dutch initiative in 2013/2014. NCP website: [link]. Peer Review report: [link]
Another measure discussed in the above-mentioned white paper, with potential to increase awareness amongst and mapping of human rights impact by companies, is the introduction of mandatory annual reporting on CSR issues companies subject to the Norwegian Accounting Act §3.3, including on human rights considerations (amendment to the Norwegian Accounting Act §3.3 in force from June 2013).
The current government has recently expressed expectations to all companies that they assume responsibility for people, societies and environment that are affected by their activities, including related to four key areas: climate and environment, human rights, labour rights and anti-corruption (White Paper/Report to the Parliament No. 27, 2013-2014). This white paper mainly focuses on the state-owned enterprises (the states’ direct ownership) and expresses expectations that companies with state shareholdings respect fundamental human rights as expressed in international conventions, in all their activities and that the enterprises follow-up on such issues in relation to their suppliers and business relationships, as well as integrate relevant conditions related to human rights in all their activities and that they conduct relevant due diligence in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles.
To increase policy coherence and to further disseminate the Guidelines and engage enterprises and other key stakeholders, the Government has decided to develop a National Action Plan for the UN Guiding Principles.
Niger has ratified 36 ILO conventions, including the eight (8) fundamental conventions on human rights, namely:
1. Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
2. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105)
3. Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87)
4. Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98)
5. Equal Remuneration Convention (No. 100)
6. Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention (No. 111)
7. Minimum Age Convention (No. 138)
8. Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182)
In addition to these fundamental conventions are other no less important ones, such as the Labour Inspection Convention (No. 81), the Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention (No. 102), the Maternity Protection Convention (No. 183), the Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 155), the Occupational Health Services Convention (No. 161) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (No. 187).
Furthermore, Niger has transposed the provisions of these conventions into its national legislation and, in particular, into the revised Labour Code adopted on 25 September 2012. Among the main innovations contained in this new Labour Code, it should be noted that the provisions on forced labour, discrimination against people living with HIV-AIDS or sickle-cell disease, and the worst forms of child labour have been strengthened. Emerging risks, sexual harassment in the workplace, the employment of people with disabilities (5% of job vacancies must be set aside for them), etc. have also been taken into account.
Yes. The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
Under the umbrella of this plan:
A public policy on corporate social responsibility is being developed (by the Ministry of the Economy), in the form of a Guidance Plan for Corporate Social Responsibility. This plan aims to raise the awareness of businesses regarding adopting a socially responsible management strategy as a way of leveraging their competitiveness and sustainability, while also making an increasingly positive contribution to society. This plan will be divided into five focus areas, one of which will be Business and Human Rights. The plan is currently in the process of being finalised.
Yes. The UK Companies Act 2006 sets out the requirement for quoted companies to report on human rights as part of their duty to provide a strategic (non-financial) report on an annual basis where it is necessary for an understanding of the business (section 414C (7)(iii) refers – [link]
This requirement will shortly be strengthened further. The UK has played a leading role in negotiating tough, but practical, EU-wide human rights disclosure requirements which will take effect from 2016 across all EU Member States. For large listed companies, we will have some of the strongest human rights disclosure requirements in the world. These requirements are aligned to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The UK has been a leader in the development of soft law mechanisms to support corporate respect for human rights. These include the development of professional standards against which Private Security Companies can be certified as they implement the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers (ICoC) and associated oversight by the ICoC Association, and on effective National Contact Points (NCPs) where we have provided international training sessions on promoting guidelines to other NCPs.
In accordance with our Action Plan we continue to work with partners in the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights to strengthen the implementation, effectiveness and membership of the voluntary Principles, including through the UK’s Chairmanship since March.
Guidance to companies on managing human rights risk such as provided by Overseas Business Risk Service. We have developed guidance for the ICT sector on human rights risks relating to cyber exports. We have worked with the financial sector to support a focus on human rights reporting and transparency for investors, which acts as a multiplier through the economy. We have supported specific Business and Human Rights projects globally with a focus on implementation of the UN Guiding Principles.
The UK has provided vital support and supported an extensive programme – improving building safety and working conditions, empowering workers and urging buyers to take responsibility for their supply chain. There has been largely a positive reaction from business and civil society to learn lessons and put in place better systems to protect workers and improve safety.
The Government, led by the Home Office, is working on a draft Action Plan to tackle human trafficking in line with the draft Bill on Anti-Slavery which includes actions to help business ensure slavery is not present in their supply chains.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has adopted a strategic document National Action Plan on Social Responsiblity of Organizations in April 2014, it includes chapter 3.7.Business and Human Rights. The document has been prepared in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, among others NGOs Business for Society and Business Leaders Forum. It references specifically the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The Senegalese authorities have undertaken a process of reform and expressed considerable determination to ensure responsible mining that is not only respectful of human rights and the environment, but also sufficiently profitable to become a means of economic and social change.
Each year, the SAHRC [South African Human Rights Commission] adopts a particular theme relating to human rights as its strategic focus area. During the 2014/2015 period, the focus area for the SAHRC was business and human rights. Over this year, the SAHRC hosted various roundtable discussions around business and human rights at a national and provincial level. The aim of these discussions was to create awareness around the issue of business and human rights, and the associated implications for business, individuals and communities in South Africa. There was also a need to the identify possible interventions that the SAHRC could undertake to address issues relating to business and human rights in the future, and many of the discussions assisted in this identification process.
It has been highlighted through these roundtable discussions and other SAHRC and external interventions, that there is general lack of awareness what the notion of Business and Human Rights means and entails. It is evident that communities and organisations are unaware that non-state actors have any obligations in respect of human rights, despite the existence of international frameworks and the liberal regional and national laws that are in place.
As such, the Commission has identified that there is a need for a comprehension overview of the status of human rights and business in South Africa, concentrating on developments over the past decade. In order to substantiate this premise and to develop on from the findings of the SAHRC Roundtables on Business and Human Rights, the Commission is in the process of drafting a report on the topic which it hopes to share widely and engender further engagements on the Commissions’ priorities going forward in this area. The report will not be limited to examining legislation, but also international instruments, such as the Ruggie Principles on Business and Human Rights, as well as soft law and jurisprudence that is specific to South Africa, but that relates to South Africa and the broader region.
In December 2013 the Swedish Government launched the publication ”Sustainable Business – A Platform for Swedish action” at a meeting with close to 300 representatives from the business community, trade unions, civil society organisations and other interested parties. Within the framework of this platform the Government adopted the term ”sustainable business ” (hållbart företagande) in preference to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as it wished to use a Swedish term and not an abbreviation – therefore the two terms are used synonymously.
Sustainable business according to the Government’s definition encompasses human rights, work requirements, the environment and anti-corruption. These four main areas also incorporate gender equality, diversity and business ethics – all these aspects can and often have an effect on business and human rights.
The Government´s position is that sustainable business must ultimately involve efforts by enterprises to develop long-term, sustainable business models. An enterprise committed to the above is expected to establish a clear set of values as a basis for sustainability work, and to adopt and implement a policy commitment to sustainability issues at senior management level. They are expected to have identified – and to monitor- risks along the entire supply chain and to have established where the responsibility for risks lay and where it can be developed. It is furthermore expected that they perform due diligence, an ongoing process managing risks and opportunities on the basis of the character, size and context of its operations and to act with transparency on these issues.
Link to the publication ”Sustainable Business – A Platform for Swedish action ”
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
OECD NCP:
Yes. For instance the support for the drafting and implementation of the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas and the launch of the “Better Gold Initiative”.
1.1 Public enquiries on child labour were conducted in 2008/2009 with support from ILO, Tanzania office. The inquiries were combined with human rights monitoring and research on child labour. Covering three districts such as Temeke in Dar es Salaam, Ilemela in Mwanza and Kilwa in Lindi.
Findings revealed that fishing is one of the main activities where child labour was evident. Poverty was mentioned to be the main underlying causes of child labour. Also it was revealed that most of the people are aware of the effects of child labour. There were negative effects on children’s rights which were revealed and more specifically was on the right to education. On the other hand, the findings showed that people fail to draw the line between child work or teaching a child to be self reliant and child labour and worst forms of child labour.
1.2 Fact Finding Mission on Forced Evictions of Maasai Communities in Loliondo
Investigations were carried out by CHRAGG [Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance] in 2009 as a follow-up to media reports and concerns raised by International Agencies and human rights NGOs about violation of human rights and contravention of principles of good governance in Loliondo Game Controlled Area where a hunting block had been allocated to an investor. Protests ensued from the local community who are mainly Maasai pastoralists who wanted additional land for grazing. The issue under investigation was that pastoralists were forcefully evicted from the hunting block they had occupied and there were claims that some properties were lost in the eviction process.
1.2 Public Enquiries on Land Disputes
In 2010, with the financial support from the Legal Sector Reform Program (LSRP), CHRAGG conducted public inquiries which aimed at identifying factors which contributed to land disputes and disapprovals in mining areas. Facts were collected and citizens views on how to solve the land disputes. The inquiries covered twelve districts of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.
Conflicts and disputes on land mainly involve peasant farmers and pastoralists; citizens and the government authorities concerning land use, boundaries of public owned land like national parks and game reserves; citizens and investors; small versus big mining companies.
1.3 Public Hearing on Land Conflict in Ulanga, Morogoro 2010
Citizens of Itete and Iragua wards in Ulanga District in Morogoro lodged a complaint with the Commission against a hunting company operating in the area allegedly for illegal extension of hunting block boundaries. Citizens were forcefully evicted and resulted into loss of properties – houses, livestock and agricultural tools. Some were injured.
1.4 Public Hearing on Mining in Nzega
In 2007, CHRAGG conducted a public hearing, in Lusu Area, Nzega District, Tabora Region in which villagers complained that they were forcibly evicted from their settlements, farmlands, burial grounds and places of worship and commercial properties to give way to a big mining company. Also the complainants among other things claimed that appropriate compensation was not paid.
1.5 Developing the National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP), 2013-2017
The process is run under the auspices of the Federal Foreign Office and in cooperation with the Ministry of Labour, Development, Justice and Economic Affairs.
Several ministries have significant responsibilities in relation to ensuring that business respects human rights, including the ministries of: Territorial Administration; Public Administration, Employment and Social Security; Oil, Geology and Mines; Interior; Agriculture; Environment; and Justice and Human Rights. Without prejudice to interventions by other sectors.
El Ministerio de Desarrollo Social de la Nación se encuentra gestionando políticas públicas integrales que promueven el desarrollo de las personas y las comunidades, en un marco de inclusión, restitución de derechos e igualdad de oportunidades.
En este sentido, la Subsecretaría de Responsabilidad Social funciona desde 2012 bajo la órbita de la Secretaría de Coordinación y Monitoreo Institucional, es una muestra del camino que transita Argentina en la materia.
There is no particular body or unit that has specific competence for working with the interface between business and human rights. The discussion regarding implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is being led by the International Advisory Department of the Secretariat of Human Rights of the Presidency of the Republic, although there are other bodies with significant responsibility in relation to this subject as well. These include the Ministry of Labour and Employment, which, through its labour inspectors, oversees compliance with Brazilian labour legislation and the ILO standards transposed into Brazilian law by companies, and can fine them in the event of a violation.
There is no specific body which is to be responsible for the issues concerning Business and Human Rights. At the time being the accountability on B&HR is divided by MFA and MLSP. One of the steps ahead is that among the recommendations on the last CSR strategy is the setting up of specific body which would deal with B&HR issues.
The process around the Belgian NAP Business & Human is led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Human Rights Directorate) and the Federal Institute for Sustainable Development (FISD, annexed to the Chancery of the Prime Minister).
The FISD chairs the Interdepartmental Commission for Sustainable Development, in which all federal and regional/community administrations are represented.
Within this commission, the FISD chairs the working group responsible for drafting the NAP Business and Human Rights and other related activities, such as the dialogue with the relevant stakeholders. Other departments involved in this working group include the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Employment, the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Environment at the federal level, as well as different line ministries at the regional and community levels.
El Consejo de Responsabilidad Social para el Desarrollo Sostenible del Ministerio de Economía, instancia multi actor que tiene por objeto asesorar al Ministro de Economía, reconoce los Principios Rectores como un antecedente fundamental para desarrollar su trabajo.
Dentro de los miembros del Consejo de Responsabilidad Social para el Desarrollo Sostenible se encuentran: la Directora Ejecutiva de Pacto Global-Chile; el Punto Nacional de Contacto de las líneas directrices de la OCDE para empresas multinacionales; tres representantes de asociaciones empresariales (los Presidente de la Sociedad de Fomento Fabril, Cámara Comercio de Santiago y Confederación de la Producción y el Comercio), dos representantes de empresas de menor tamaño y emprendedores (el presidente de Conapyme-asociación gremial de Empresas Pequeñas y Medianas- y el Director Ejecutivo ASECH - Asociación de Emprendedores en Chile), dos representantes de organizaciones no gubernamentales (el Presidente de la Asociación Chilena de ONG, “Acción” y el Director Ejecutivo de “Acción RSE” ), un representante de organizaciones sindicales (el secretario de relaciones internacionales de la Central Unitaria de Trabajadores) y dos representantes de la academia (el Director Ejecutivo del Centro de Gobierno Corporativo de la Universidad de Chile y el Director Ejecutivo del Centro Vincular de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso).
Además, el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores está fortaleciendo su institucionalidad interna con el objetivo de alentar el diálogo tendiente a la implementación de los Principios Rectores en Chile. La Dirección de Derechos Humanos está actualmente coordinando el tema.
Son muchas las instancias las relacionadas con el tema de Derechos Humanos y Empresas. Para buscar un espacio de coordinación se creó el Grupo de trabajo interinstitucional mencionado en el punto. A continuación se enlistan las entidades y dependencias de dichas entidades que hacen parte del grupo de trabajo.
Grupo de Trabajo de DDHH y Empresas – Sistema Nacional de Derechos Humanos y DIH
The Danish Business Authority under the Ministry of Business and Growth is responsible for implementing the Danish Governments policies on CSR. The Business Authority coordinates between all the relevant ministries on CSR issues.
In 2008 an inter-ministerial working group was established to coordinate the government’s CSR policy among the different state actors with relevance to the CSR agenda. The purpose is to ensure dissemination between the different relevant government actors, including the state owned investment fund and development funds.
The NAP on Business and Human Rights has been developed by the Ministry of Business and Growth and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A number of other ministries and organisations have also contributed to the NAP: Ministry of Employment, Ministry of Justice, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
There is no department/departments with significant responsibility for business and human rights as this is a very broad topic which involves inter-ministerial cooperation. Business and human rights issues are among responsibilities of Department for International and European Affairs.
Within Slovenian Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs has leading and coordinative role for business and human rights. Coherence is assured by involving all relevant stakeholders, ministries and NGOs.
El borrador de PNEDH contempla la creación de una Comisión de Seguimiento en la que estarán representados los diferentes departamentos con competencias en materia de empresas y derechos humanos.
On international issues, the U.S. Department of State leads U.S. government policy on business and human rights issues. Domestically, multiple U.S. government agencies have significant responsibility for business and human rights issues.
Estonia’s bilateral relations as well as membership in international organisations have created a wide array of possibilities for Estonia to develop and protect human rights and to address the violation of human rights. Estonia is actively involved in human rights through participation in the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, the UN, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Council of Europe. We are traditionally active in several bodies dealing with human rights: Estonia is a member of the UN Human Rights Council (2013-15), a member of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (2011-15), a member of UN ECOSOC (2015-2017) and a board member of the United Nations Children's Fund (2011-13). The Estonian diplomat Tiina Intelmann is the President of the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court. In addition, Estonian experts are members of various forums, committees and workgroups. Estonia enforces its human rights priorities in the world via bilateral relations and development cooperation projects.
The main government office that is dealing with human rights issues in foreign policy is Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Estonia. All the other ministries contribute to the human rights coordination and positions according to their area. Concerning the business and human rights the responsible ministry is Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, Department of Economic Development.
The Ministry of Employment and the Economy has the primary responsibility, but other ministries are closely involved: Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the Prime Minister’s Office (State-ownership Unit) are close collaborators. All Finnish Ministries were involved in preparing the UNGP national implementation plan.
Responsibilities for individual projects are singled out in the UNGP implementation plan. Coherence is ensured through daily communication and active discussion. Since the UNGP implementation plan is approved by the Government, it’s the alignment all Ministries adhere to.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To further bolster human rights, the government has set up the Ministry of Human Rights, which is linked to the Ministry of Justice.
The departments that gravitate around this policy of promoting human rights include the General Inspectorate of Labour, Health and Safety at Work, the Agency for the Promotion of Private Investment, the Economic and Social Council, the Office for Business Product Quality Protection, employers, the Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Agriculture, etc.
The establishment of the relevant responsibilities within the government is in progress. The concerned issue relates – though not necessarily in the first place – to the responsibilities of the Hungarian National Contact Point (HNCP) that is operating under the Ministry for National Development, at the International Financial Supervision Department, under the supervision and guidance of the National Council of the OECD and the Deputy Secretary of State Responsible for Finance Policy. In addition, with respect to the concerned foreign trade and multilateral diplomatic aspects, the issue relates to the responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and more particularly to the responsibilities of the Human Rights Department operating at the International Organisations Division under the Deputy Secretary of State for International Cooperation.
There are many departments that relate with business and human rights, since this issue is cross cutting and multi sectoral issue that need a comprehensive approach from many departments.
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Employment
The department in charge of enforcement at the ministry, finance ministry concerning public sector issues and tenders issued for outsourced services supplied by agencies workers.
Since the issue of business and human rights is rather new, at the moment, there seems to be no specific department that is specialised in this issue. However, METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) takes charge of business activities, and Ministry of Justice takes charge of human rights enlightenment. When it comes to ODA projects, three ministries of MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), MOF (Ministry of Finance) and METI are mainly responsible. MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) is responsible for human rights education. Thus it would be appropriate for these ministries to handle the issue in cooperation with each other.
There are several line ministries in Latvia, whose responsibilities include also issues related to business and human rights, including the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
IMS Luxembourg (Inspiring More Sustainability) is the organization that supports companies in their CSR efforts, by promoting dialogue with (private, public and civil society) stakeholders: [link]
The mission of IMS Luxembourg is to support its members in their sustainable development initiatives and offer them tools (guides, best practice guidelines, etc.), to enable them to develop their policies and carry out their projects. IMS Luxembourg offers concrete solutions through projects in which companies can get involved.
Since its creation, IMS has steadily increased its activities to raise the awareness of businesses of these issues. IMS Luxembourg is currently focusing on specific "research and action" projects that involve several stakeholders at both the national and European levels (ministries, SMEs, large corporations, civil society organizations, national networks, local authorities, etc.). Its objective is to identify and disseminate good practices through its network.
IMS Luxembourg is the national representative of CSR Europe for Luxembourg (CSR Europe is the leading European business network for CSR, and is made up of more than 80 multinational corporations and 35 national partners).
The INDR (National Institute for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility) was established by the Luxembourg Employers' Union (UEL) to promote corporate social responsibility within businesses in Luxembourg, so that they contribute to sustainable development and improve their competitiveness and image.
The Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties (MSDC) is responsible for Human Rights.
The Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Mining and the Interministerial Delegation for Human Rights.
NB: It is currently the National Human Rights Council that is trying to encourage the government to coordinate these initiatives.
The National Directorate for Human Rights of the Ministry of Justice is responsible for this work. However, given the importance of extractive industries to the country, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy also has a major role, as do other institutions with business responsibilities. An inter-ministerial human rights group coordinates this work. Besides this group, the government plans to create a national forum to make the work on business and human rights more accessible and to facilitate participation by all stakeholders.
Desde su adhesión a la Organización para la Cooperación y el Desarrollo Económicos (OCDE) en 1994, México forma parte de las Líneas Directrices para Empresas Multinacionales (las directrices), un conjunto de recomendaciones en temas relacionados con la promoción de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE), entre los que se encuentra el de los Derechos Humanos (Capítulo IV de las Directrices).
Las Directrices son recomendaciones sobre principios en materia de RSE. Los gobiernos adherentes a las Directrices adoptan el compromiso de promover su observancia voluntaria entre las empresas multinacionales (EMN) y difundir los principios ahí contenidos entre los diferentes grupos interesados.
Entre los Capítulos que conforman las Directrices encontramos los referentes a:
El contenido en materia de Derechos Humanos de las Líneas Directrices para Empresas Multinacionales es acorde con Principios Rectores sobre las Empresas y los Derechos Humanos.
Para promover la adopción de dichas Directrices y facilitar su cumplimiento, los gobiernos adheridos tienen la obligación de establecer un Punto Nacional de Contacto (PNC), el cual, en el caso de México, está adscrito a la Dirección General de Inversión Extranjera de la Secretaría de Economía.
Este PNC es responsable de difundir y operar el procedimiento para atender Instancias Específicas sobre temas contemplados en las Directrices (incluido el de los Derechos Humanos) y, en su caso, ofrecer sus buenos oficios para la resolución de las mismas.
La participación del PNC en una serie de talleres, foros y eventos nacionales e internacionales organizados por distintos Organismos Internacionales y países adherentes a las Directrices, ha permitido fortalecer el proceso de difusión y promoción de la adopción y cumplimiento de las Directrices en México.
Asimismo, durante el 2014 el PNC de México ha rediseñado sus procedimientos para atender Instancias Específicas, es decir, para prestar sus buenos oficios cuando existe la impresión de que una EMN está actuando en contra de los principios y estándares establecidos en las Directrices.
Asimismo, por su parte el INAES tiene, entonces, cierta actividad como “departamento del gobierno”, respecto a las empresas y derechos humanos, puesto que los Organismos del Sector Social (conocidos por sus siglas OSSE), que son empresas conforme a su definición legal (artículo5, fracción II de la LESS) constituyen la población objetivo de las reglas de operación referidas en el numeral anterior. Y para la adecuada coordinación de acciones al interior del INAES, éste cuenta con su “Acuerdo de organización y funcionamiento del Instituto Nacional de la Economía Social” (DOF 22 de julio de 2013) que define la competencia de cada una de sus áreas.
De conformidad con lo señalado en el Programa Nacional de Derechos Humanos 2014-2018, las dependencias y entidades de la Administración Pública Federal emprenderán las acciones que en el ámbito de su competencia sean viables para dar cumplimiento al mismo.
Cabe señalar que el Programa antes indicado establece que se buscará tener mecanismos de colaboración que involucren a los tres poderes y a los órganos autónomos, así como con la sociedad civil.
La Secretaría de Economía, en el contexto del Eje México Próspero del PND y en concordancia con el PRODEINN, tiene la encomienda de articular una política industrial que, transversalmente con otros programas, contribuya a proteger, respetar y remediar los principios rectores sobre las empresas y los derechos humanos
Dentro de la Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes existe la Dirección de Derechos Humanos y Análisis de Información de Seguridad Nacional.
De igual manera en la Dirección de Planeación y Desarrollo de la Dirección General de Recursos Humanos, se concentra la información sobre la capacitación en esta materia y se coordinan algunos de los cursos a través de la CNDH en la SCT.
Several ministries have significant responsibility for business and human rights. Department for Economic Affairs and Development, Section for Economic and Commercial Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for international CSR issues (UN Global Compact, UNGPs, OECD MNE GL etc) including but not limited to business and human rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs thus coordinates development of the above-mentioned National Action Plan (NAP). Since human rights and business are to a certain extent relevant for virtually all Ministries, an interdepartmental group has been established for formal and informal consultations on the NAP. All relevant ministries are to varying degrees involved, including most notably the Ministry of Trade and Fishery and the Ministry of Finance.
Centrally, the Labour Administration is responsible for: developing rules within its area of competence; ensuring the application of provisions laid down on matters of work, social security and occupational safety and health; providing employers and workers with advice and recommendations; coordinating and controlling the departments and bodies involved in enforcing social legislation; conducting all studies and surveys relating to various social issues, except those covered by technical departments, with which the Labour Administration may nevertheless be called upon to collaborate; and bringing to the attention of the competent authority any shortcomings or abuses not specifically covered by existing legal or regulatory provisions.
Besides central departments, the Labour Administration comprises decentralised departments (Labour Inspectorates) and establishments under its tutelage (National Social Security Fund [CNSS], National Agency for the Promotion of Employment [ANPE] and National Employment and Training Observatory [ONEP]).
Likewise, on the specific matter of combating child labour, the Anti-Child Labour Unit (CTE), a body that provides services of consultation, coordination and monitoring/evaluation of all activities to combat child labour in Niger, became the Anti-Child Labour Division in 2014, thereby giving this issue the importance it deserves.
An Anti-child Labour National Steering Committee was set up in 2000. It is a body that guides activities for combating child labour in Niger and is made up of representatives of state structures, employers’ professional associations, trade unions, non-governmental organizations and associations, UN institutions and agencies, programmes and projects aimed at combating child labour, and two (2) observer members, namely, the representatives of the French and the United States Embassies in Niger.
On the matter of combating forced labour and discrimination, an Anti-Forced Labour and Anti-Discrimination National Commission was set up in 2007 to assist with the activities of the Anti-Forced Labour and Anti-Discrimination Support Project (BIT/PACTRAD), which is currently inactive due to a lack of funds.
Likewise, the National Coordinating Unit of Occupational Safety and Health Committees has been set up, as have representative offices of the Coordinating Unit in the country’s eight (8) regions.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a coordinating responsibility, tying together competences that lie with other ministries, such as Economic Affairs, Security and Justice, Social Affairs and Employment, and Finance.
The Ministry of the Economy, through the General Directorate for Economic Activities, is responsible for promoting and participating in the development of sectoral policies and demonstration and dissemination initiatives relating to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
This issue, and particularly Business and Human Rights, is also monitored by the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), an interministerial coordinating body on human rights, which is chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and brings together all the relevant bodies of the Portuguese public administration. In 2012, the CNDH set up a specific business and human rights working group whose main focus is the national implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Human Rights & Democracy Department, Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), but the UK Action Plan on business and human rights is being implemented across Government activities with oversight by a Government Steering Group of approx 10 departments and a smaller Core working Group consisting of FCO, Business Innovation and Skills (BIS), UK Trade and Industry (UKTI) and the Department for International Development (DFID)
The agenda is in the portfolio of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Human Rights, Equal Opportunities and Legislation.
Ministry of Industry and Mines; Ministry of Local Governance, Development and Urban Planning; Ministry of the Interior and Civil Protection; Ministry of Health and Social Action; Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development; Ministry of Labour, Social Dialogue, Professional Organisations and Institutional Relations; Ministry of Trade, the Informal Sector, Consumption, Local Product Promotion and SMEs; Ministry of Fisheries and the Marine Economy; Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Facilities; Ministry of Water and Sanitation; Ministry of Infrastructure, Air Transport and Connectivity; Ministry of Post and Telecommunications; Ministry of the Economy, Finance and the Budget; Ministry of Livestock Raising and Farming; Ministry of Tourism and Air Transport; Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energy Development; Ministry of African Integration, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the Promotion of Good Governance.
Establishment of an interministerial committee.
The minister responsible for these issues [development of National Action Plan on business & human rights] is the Minister of Enterprise and Innovation, Mr Mikael Damberg. Focal point in the Government Offices is the Department for International Trade Policy at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
OECD NCP:
The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA have significant responsibility for business and human rights. Government ensures coherence for instance through inter-governmental working groups.
Government departments Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry business unit - Human Rights for the Ministry of Justice by an inter-ministerial meetings or administrative assistance department coordinated manner.
The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance
Yes
Si.
There have not yet been any initiatives specifically motivated by the UN's Guiding Principles. However, policies to strengthen human rights, interfacing with the private sector, are being developed by various bodies, with an emphasis on tackling slave labour and child labour, and on promoting equal opportunities in the workplace (especially in favour of vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities).
No.
Yes, amongst other things, Belgium has started drafting its NAP Business & Human Rights and has organized a series of colloquia and events to promote this issue at the national level, but also within the EU and at the UN.
Hasta el momento, la iniciativa más importante que ha promovido el Estado de Chile fue la creación del Consejo de Responsabilidad Social para el Desarrollo Sostenible, El Consejo de Responsabilidad Social para el Desarrollo Sostenible comenzó a funcionar en agosto del año 2013 con el propósito de asesorar al Ministro de Economía en la identificación de oportunidades para avanzar hacia una política de Estado en materia de desarrollo sostenible, a través de recomendaciones y propuestas. Los Principios Rectores constituyen uno de los antecedentes fundamentales del recién instituido Consejo de Responsabilidad, tal como da cuenta su decreto de constitución (Decreto N°60 de 2013 del Ministerio de Economía, Fomento y Turismo). En consecuencia, tanto su promoción como los desafíos vinculados a su implementación, constituyen una de las tareas principales del Consejo.
El Consejo se encuentra desarrollando su Plan de Trabajo para los próximos años, entre cuyas medidas se encuentra la creación de un Plan Nacional de Empresas y Derechos Humanos, el que se llevará a cabo tomando en cuenta un estudio de línea base que de cuenta de la situación actual en el país respecto a la implementación de los Principios Rectores, y un diálogo amplio y transparente.
No
Yes, the Danish Government has developed a National Action Plan for the implementation of the UNGP on Business and Human Rights. The NAP was published in March 2014: [link]
The NAP contains several new business & human rights initiatives among which the following can be highlighted:
The establishment of a non-judicial mediation and complaints-handling institution for responsible business conduct (remedy): [link]
The introduction of mandatory reporting for the largest Danish companies on human rights policies: [link]
The establishment of an interministerial working group to look at barriers for extraterritorial legislation, including developments in other countries.
Asuntos con mayor prioridad:
No.
In order to develop a national action plan on business and human rights in May 2014, the Inter-Ministerial Commission on Human Rights formed a subcommittee (Expert Subcommittee for the Preparation of National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights). Members of the subcommittee are line ministries (Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Ministry of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Health) as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations and academic sphere. The Office of the Ombudsperson has a standing invitation. The Inter-Ministerial Commission on Human Rights is led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sí.
Yes
Yes
Yes. The Government of Ghana supported CHRAJ in July 2014 to organize three workshops on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The workshops were jointly organized by CHRAJ, Shift and SOMO. Shift is an independent non-profit centre for business and human rights practice, chaired by Prof. John Ruggie. SOMO is the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations, a global non-governmental organization based in the Netherlands. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is also working towards implementation of the Voluntary principles of security and human rights.
Yes, the government has taken initiatives relating to those Principles, particularly with regard to environmental protection and company financing of basic infrastructures for the local communities (roads, health centres, schools, markets, cemeteries).
Yes
No
No
Yes.
No
Yes
Not at present (a National Action Plan on business and human rights is planned over the coming years)
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes.
In the Government’s view it is essential that enterprises operating in or from Sweden act in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The enterprises should themselves develop and express their commitment at the most senior level, (board of directors or CEO) and carry out human rights due diligence in order to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address adverse human rights impacts which they may have caused or contributed to. These views are clearly stated in the platform for action referred to above.
OECD NCP:
Yes
YES: Incorporation of business and human rights activities in the National Human Rights Action Plan 2013-2017
Yes
Types of company impacts prioritised:
The most important aspects of initiatives:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
On September 24, 2014, President Obama announced the development of a U.S. National Action Plan to promote responsible and transparent business conduct overseas. Our top priority issues will be determined through the development of the U.S. National Action Plan.
Top five priority issues:
The government has taken several legislative and regulatory measures that take into account all the issues listed.
The eight identified priority issues which have been adequately addressed are:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
5 asuntos con mayor prioridad:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
The UK Action Plan of 2013 has been our key initiative since 2011 and is the overarching framework for all our work on business and human rights issues both in the UK and overseas which covers all the listed areas above. But a key area of focus has been introducing human rights reporting requirements with an amendment to the Company Act and addressing issues relating to forced labour and trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable groups such as migrant workers and has culminated in the Modern Slavery Bill currently being debated in Parliament which includes measures to ensure modern slavery is not present in supply chains. UK priority policies have also include Women’s rights (DFID work, Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative), Safety (eg Fire Accord in Bangladesh), Freedom of Expression, Business in conflict zones eg Voluntary Principles, ICoCA for PSCs etc.
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Top 5 priority issues:
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Types of company impacts prioritised:
Partnership for Responsible Garments Production in Bangladesh
The Guiding Principles have proved to be an excellent instrument in rallying stakeholders for joint action. Using the Guiding Principles as the basis for a new Partnership for Responsible Garments Production in Bangladesh, the Danish government, business associations and enterprises have agreed on a number of detailed commitments to improve conditions within their sphere of influence. The partnership, which was agreed within the framework of the Danish Ethical Trading Initiative (DIEH), will be implemented in close co-ordination with international partners as well and stakeholders in Bangladesh.
The Constitutional, legislation and policies promote and protect, among other things, environmental health, workplace health & safety, which are also well protected by an active and vibrant trade unions.
The government has set up a specific department responsible for issues relating to workplace health and safety. It oversees health and safety in the business environment and is the first line of response for employees. Guinea has ratified all the conventions and treaties of the International Labour Office (ILO). Implementation of these guidelines has been reviewed in a report prepared by Guinea and submitted to the ILO.
Occupational Health & Safety – Enforcement - It is the duty of the Occupational Health & Safety Authority to see that the levels of occupational health and safety protection established by Act XXVII of 2000, (General duties), Article 5 and by the regulations enacted under this Act are maintained”
Example: Creation of the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety in Casablanca. Development of a framework law.
Free care for children up to the age of five years; free caesarean sections; free breast cancer care; facilities given to kidney failure patients on dialysis; the setting up of a National Technical Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health; Occupational Safety and Health Committees in firms; an Environmental Impact Study Office, etc.
Health & safety; worker’s rights throughout supply chain: The UK has provided vital support and supported an extensive programme – improving building safety and working conditions, empowering workers and urging buyers to take responsibility for their supply chain. There has been largely a positive reaction from business and civil society to learn lessons and put in place better systems to protect workers and improve safety.
Free healthcare for the elderly.
Law 3/14 of 10 February on the Criminalization of Money Laundering Offences was approved and is being implemented. Its aim is to criminalise a series of practices and enable Angolan criminal legislation to protect certain fundamental legal assets and fight human trafficking, especially of women and children. A National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking is currently being prepared.
Increasing the use of labour and social clauses in public contracts
Part of the foundation of the Danish labour market model is that work performed in Denmark must be performed on Danish pay and working conditions. In this, the authorities hold an important role in ensuring that underpaid foreign labour does not occur in public projects. The Government wants to ensure fair and reasonable pay and working conditions in accordance with ILO Convention 94 by increasing the use and better enforcement of labour clauses in public contracts (GP 5).
El Gobierno español tiene en marcha una reforma destinada a mejorar los procedimientos de identificación de las víctimas y la atención de las necesidades especiales de los niños y niñas víctimas de trata. La Ley Orgánica 10/2011, de 27 de julio, modificó el artículo 59 bis de la Ley Orgánica 4/2000, de 11 de enero, sobre derechos y libertades de los extranjeros en España y su integración social, con el objetivo de mejorar la protección de posibles víctimas de trata extranjeras que se encuentran en situación irregular, así como facilitar que cooperen con las autoridades en la investigación de estos delitos17. El Protocolo Marco de Protección de Víctimas de Trata de Seres Humanos, de 28 de octubre de 2011.
Forced labour & trafficking are prohibited by law.
A severe law was legislated several years ago referring to women's abuse and trafficking following principles of conventions on that matter. The definitions of the felony were extended by that legislation and the enforcement authorities was focuses. More cases were brought to justice and punishment by court decisions were aggravated.
The setting up of a National Anti-Human Trafficking Commission and a National Anti-Human Trafficking Agency; the production of films/sketches and broadcasts about human trafficking; the introduction of tougher sentences for the perpetrators and accomplices of human trafficking or analogous practices; the translation of the ILO’s fundamental conventions into Hausa and Zarma, the country’s two main national languages, etc.
Forced labour: The Government, led by the Home Office, is working on a draft Action Plan to tackle human trafficking in line with the draft Bill on Anti-Slavery which includes actions to help business ensure slavery is not present in their supply chains.
Mining regulation.
The Belgian Parliament has adopted a number of legislative measures since 2011 that will improve the impact of business on Human Rights in a variety of domains. For example with regard to discrimination between men and women, the Belgian Parliament adopted on April 22 2014 a law to fight the gap in pay between men and women.
A number of guides and trainings have also been developed to sensitize and inform individuals and companies on this issue.
El Instituto de la Mujer y para la Igualdad de Oportunidades, en el marco del Convenio de colaboración celebrado entre el Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, a través de la Secretaría de Estado de Servicios Sociales e Igualdad y la Fundación para la Diversidad, con el fin de otorgar difusión, promocionar y contribuir a la mayor implantación del Charter de la Diversidad, está impulsando la recopilación de buenas prácticas empresariales en materia de gestión de la diversidad. Este proceso culminará en un acto público de reconocimiento a las mejores prácticas identificadas, así como en la elaboración de una recopilación de las mismas con fines de difusión y transferencia de buenas prácticas.
Un servicio de atención a las Víctimas de Discriminación por el Origen Racial o Étnico (
Desde 2011 se han producido numerosas mejoras legislativas en materia de igualdad de oportunidades entre mujeres y hombres. Se han aprobado, entre otras normas, el Real Decreto-ley 11/2013, de 2 de agosto, para la protección de los trabajadores a tiempo parcial y otras medidas urgentes en el orden económico y social; la Ley 27/2011, de 1 de agosto, que modifica la Ley General de la Seguridad Social en lo que respecta a los beneficios sociales y económicos de las mujeres; se ha modificado el Texto refundido de la Ley de Ordenación y Supervisión de los Seguros Privados, con el fin de eliminar las diferencias en función del sexo en las primas y prestaciones de seguros; la Ley 14/2011, de 1 de junio, de la Ciencia, la Tecnología y la Innovación, que establece entre sus objetivos generales promover la inclusión de la perspectiva de género como categoría transversal en este campo; o la Ley 3/2012, de 6 de julio, de medidas urgentes para la reforma del mercado laboral, que mantiene ayudas cualificadas para facilitar la contratación de mujeres.
El Gobierno ha aprobado también un Plan Estratégico de Igualdad de Oportunidades 2014-2016 en el cual se han definido los objetivos y medidas prioritarios para eliminar cualquier discriminación por razón de sexo que puedan persistir y para alcanzar la igualdad de oportunidades entre mujeres y hombres.
Para facilitar el desarrollo del derecho al trabajo en igualdad de oportunidades entre mujeres y hombres mediante la utilización de las medidas y los planes de igualdad en las empresas previstos legalmente, se cuenta, por una parte, con instrumentos de orientación y apoyo técnico a las empresas a través de la web institucional
Para reconocer a aquellas empresas que destacan en su aplicación de políticas de igualdad entre sus trabajadoras y trabajadores, se ha puesto en marcha el Distintivo “Igualdad en la Empresa”. Para recopilar y visibilizar buenas prácticas que puedan servir a otras empresas se inauguró en junio de 2013, la red de empresas con distintivo “Igualdad en la Empresa”.
El Acuerdo del Consejo de Ministros del 21-6-2013, por el que se aprueban medidas para la reducción de las cargas administrativas y mejora de la regulación, recoge varias medidas para poner a disposición de las empresas, entre ellas, las siguientes: una herramienta de autodiagnóstico de brecha salarial de género que permita detectar y corregir desigualdades salariales entre mujeres y hombres y un servicio de asesoramiento técnico en línea a las empresas para apoyar el diseño y elaboración de medidas y planes de igualdad.
El 8 de julio de 2013, el Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad y el Ministerio de Empleo y Seguridad Social suscribieron un Convenio de colaboración para la vigilancia permanente en las empresas de la igualdad efectiva entre mujeres y hombres. Este Convenio tiene por objeto articular la colaboración entre ambos departamentos ministeriales para establecer los mecanismos necesarios que permitan mantener, promover e impulsar el cumplimiento de toda la normativa vigente sobre obligaciones empresariales dirigidas a conseguir la igualdad efectiva entre mujeres y hombres y a prevenir y evitar la discriminación por razón de sexo en las empresas, y el acoso sexual y por razón de género.
Planned for the future (not yet listed under 3.1):
By 6 December 2016, Hungary is obliged to implement the European Parliament's 2014/95/EU Directive and the Council's 22 October 2014 amendment to Directive 2013/34/EU regarding disclosure of non-financial and diversity information by certain large undertakings and groups.
The Social Renewal Operational Programme (SROP), co-funded by the European Union, provides grants to combat discrimination: The TÁMOP 1.1.1.
With the help of the programme called "Improving the system of employment rehabilitation" people with altered working capabilities are able to find profession, workplace, individual counselor, and their employers are granted 100 % wage subsidies and other financial benefits. The predecessor of the supporting innovative experimental employment programmes of TÁMOP 1.4.3. is the Hungarian programme within the EQUAL Community Initiative through which various innovative experimental projects were realized to reduce discrimination and inequalities in the labour market. The TÁMOP programmes support the testing and the application of new methods or methods already applied successfully elsewhere, in particular through the introduction of comprehensive training and employment programmes for long-term unemployed and low-skilled people living in the country's most disadvantaged sub-regions with few employment opportunities.
On the issue of discrimination - Equality at Work Unit was constructed in the ministry. This unit apart from advocacy and researches got the authority to join proceedings at labour courts in order to back the appellants in their suit against their employer.
Decisions of precedential significance were released lately by Labour National Court concerning freedom of association preventing any interference of employer in unionising process especially in case of initial association. Following the law of equal opportunities at work, a new collective agreement was signed lately between social partners stating that workplaces comprising 100 employees and more are committed to employee persons with disabilities at rate of 2% of their workforce.
Discrimination – Legislative - the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) encouraged the Government to take all necessary legislative, administrative and other measures to ensure that no person may be subjected to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
National Contact Point, available to mediate in cases of human rights violations, at the Ministry of Trade and Industry has increased its visibility on web pages of the ministry.
Legislative or constitutional
El Acuerdo del Consejo de Ministros del 21-6-2013, por el que se aprueban medidas para la reducción de las cargas administrativas y mejora de la regulación, incluye entre las medidas que contempla poner a disposición de las empresas un manual de referencia para la elaboración de un protocolo para la prevención del acoso sexual y el acoso por razón de sexo en el trabajo.
El Convenio de colaboración para la vigilancia permanente en las empresas de la igualdad efectiva entre mujeres y hombres, suscrito el 8 de julio de 2013 entre el Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad y el Ministerio de Empleo y Seguridad Social, tiene por objeto articular la colaboración entre ambos departamentos ministeriales también para establecer los mecanismos necesarios que permitan mantener, promover e impulsar el cumplimiento de toda la normativa vigente sobre obligaciones empresariales dirigidas a prevenir y evitar el acoso sexual y por razón de género.
Sexual Harassment - A law which defines this kind of harassment was legislated several years ago. It caused much more complaints in criminal area as well in civil suits. The awareness is higher today and there is an obligation by law to nominate an employee in workplace who deals with these cases.
The penal code criminalises sexual harassment in the workplace.
Sexual harassment in the workplace has been taken into account in the new Labour Code.
Parity, rights and protection of women and children.
Labour Law for the Private Sector:
The new law includes many benefits, some did not exist before and some were enhanced [increased]. The most important of these benefits are listed as follows:
Freedom of Movement for Foreign Workers:
The Kingdom of Bahrain is one of the leading nations with respect to granting foreign workers all their labour and human rights and providing a suitable working environment for all workers. This is reflected in Resolution number 79 of 2009 on the procedures for a foreign worker to move to another employer, as it is an example of the efforts and trends of Bahrain to eliminate all forms of forced labour and to grant workers the right to move to another job without restrictions.
With the issuance of this resolution, Bahrain became the first nation in the region that grants foreign workers the right to move from one employer to another without the consent of their current employer. This resolution won praise from many countries, particularly labour-exporting countries.
This resolution gave protection to foreign workers from exploitation or abuse, or wage discrimination against them when they are offered lower wages than those offered to others in the market for similar occupations. This resolution also grants them the freedom of selecting their work, which is in line with many international standards in the field of human rights and labour rights. This resolution also permits raising salary rates in the labour market and bringing human resources up to competition among business owners, as well as protecting the worker from being exposed to inadequate or undesirable working conditions as they could easily and legally move to another employer.
Trade union pluralism:
The amendments brought by Legislative Decree number 35 of 2011, approved amending some provisions of the Trade Unions Act promulgated by Legislative Decree number 33 of 2002 on trade union pluralism at the level of unions that are formed in work facilities.
This principle is consistent with international labour standards, in particular International Convention number 87 of 1948 on freedom of association, as article 2 of this Convention stipulates that workers and trade unions are entitled to form more than one trade union organization to defend their professional interests. Also, trade union pluralism destroys trade union monopoly, as it allows workers to choose their representative trade union organization, and creates competition among trade union organizations, as they compete to provide the best services for workers.
Trade union pluralism does not mean imposing diversity on workers and unions by force of law, but rather it is up to workers to choose between unity and diversity according to their interests. The international labour standards prohibit stipulating trade union unity through national legislation, as it must stipulate diversity and leave it up to the choice of workers. It is sufficient to refer here to some comparable laws, such as the UK law where legislation stipulates diversity but nonetheless workers chose trade union unity.
This also addresses the problem of trade union vacuum that occurs when a trade union organization is disbanded for any reason, whether through a voluntary disbanding by the approval of the General Assembly or by a final court ruling.
Partnership for Responsible Garments Production in Bangladesh
The Guiding Principles have proved to be an excellent instrument in rallying stakeholders for joint action. Using the Guiding Principles as the basis for a new Partnership for Responsible Garments Production in Bangladesh, the Danish government, business associations and enterprises have agreed on a number of detailed commitments to improve conditions within their sphere of influence. The partnership, which was agreed within the framework of the Danish Ethical Trading Initiative (DIEH), will be implemented in close co-ordination with international partners as well and stakeholders in Bangladesh.
Trade unionism and trade unions are free in Guinea. They are part of the nation’s political forces and contribute greatly to workers' emancipation, particularly with regard to their safety, protection and to the improvement of their quality of life.
On the Hungarian OECD National Contact Point's (NCP) website, which operates under the Ministry of National Development, there is relevant information available about the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (Guidelines), including references to the United Nations documents related to human rights. In order to promote the Guidelines, the Hungarian OECD NCP participates in the most relevant local events related to corporate social responsibility either with an exhibition stand and/or by disseminating the brochure on the Guidelines or the translation of certain chapters of the Guidelines.
Freedom of Association became a big issue [in the] last years since there is a wave of new trend of unionisation. It appeals to young workers in new sectors that did not use to organise such as mortgage banks, financial institutes, cellular firms, restaurants and even large firms in [high tech] sector. An amendment to collective agreements law in 2009 strengthen[s] that movement by giving an immunity to employee activists who are active in organising in workplace. It also allows union members to get in workplace in order to organise workers. Breaching of these law clauses results [in] significant amount of fines. Lately a district labour court ruled that a firm which tries to prevent employees from organising should pay a large sum to the organising union
Institutionalisation of dialogue between employers and trade unions.
The process of organising professional elections for trade union representation has begun, with a view to improving social governance in this area.
Core labour rights: intensive support of ILO's Better Work Programme, esp. in Bangladesh.
Se han creado en 2014 los tribunales ambientales.
As Guinea is a mining country, population displacements are common, dictated by which deposits are to be worked. However, these displacements comply with international standards, which take into account the principles of human rights.
Derechos sobre tierras.- porque los OSSE tienen como otra práctica (Art. 11 fracción V de la LESS), la “propiedad social o paritaria de los medios de producción”
Access to water: especially in rural communities is expanding across the country.
Access to Water: Supporting Waterlex for a project aimed at building capacity of African NHRIs in claiming citizens' right to water.
Con la entrada en vigencia de la Ley especial de lotificaciones y parcelaciones se ha buscado implementar mecanismo que le permitan a la población obtener certeza jurídica sobre la titularidad de los inmuebles que habitan sobre todo aquello comercializados en zonas rurales afectando principalmente a personas escasos recursos económicos.
Social housing has been built for workers.
Right of Privacy is considered as part of basic law – human dignity and liberty. The right of privacy was discussed in cases that were brought to [the] National Labour Court. This court ruled against restriction of employers toward private emails of employees during their working time. As a basic principle employer is prevente[d] from reading private emails or [from] reveal[ing] them. If cameras are install[ed] in work positions the worker must be informed by [the] employer.
Freedom of expression [Legislative] In Malta is contemplated in two distinct fundamental freedoms’ enactments. The first is contained in Article 41 of the Constitution of Malta and the second in Article 10 of the First Schedule to the European Convention Act, 1987; and Right to Privacy [Legislative] – Data Protection Act. Overall the Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner is committed to protect the individual's right to privacy by ensuring the correct processing of personal data. The Office aims to safeguard this fundamental human right which is enshrined in the Constitution of Malta.
The Danish development assistance (Danida) in conflict areas
The Danish development assistance (Danida) generally contributes to the promotion of human rights in conflict areas. In conflict areas it is often difficult to work closely with the host country, because local authorities do not always have sufficient capacity to monitor and legislate. The Danish efforts in fragile states include support for building institutional framework. Furthermore, when Danida signs contracts with companies, it is a requirement that companies live up to Danida’s anti-corruption policy and to the UN Global Compact.
In 2011, Hungary joined the Montreux Document on private military and security companies and in 2012 the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Consultation of civil society and elected representatives in southern Morocco prior to offshore prospection.
Abuses linked to security for company operations; Operations in conflict zones: The UK has been a leader in the development of soft law mechanisms to support corporate respect for human rights. These include the development of professional standards against which Private Security Companies can be certified as they implement the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers (ICoC) and associated oversight by the ICoC Association, and on effective National Contact Points (NCPs) where we have provided international training sessions on promoting guidelines to other NCPs.
In accordance with our Action Plan we continue to work with partners in the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights to strengthen the implementation, effectiveness and membership of the voluntary Principles, including through the UK’s Chairmanship since March.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
For Operations in conflict zones: ICoC (voluntary initiative)
It appears abuses linked to security for company operations (e.g.: torture & ill-treatment) have reduced, with companies now improving communications with local communities. Majority of companies take their corporate social responsibility seriously.
Security for company operations: support for the Voluntary Principles.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
For Abuses linked to security for company operations (e.g. torture & ill-treatment): ICoC, VPs (voluntary principles)
Reforma fiscal.
Some of the most relevant administrative, organizational and legal measures taken against tax avoidance
Administrative and organizational measures:
Legal measures
1. Tax registration process and increased tax authority control mechanism
From 1 January 2012, according to the newly introduced tax registration process, newly established companies do not automatically receive a tax number, but only following a preliminary screening. The increased tax authority control mechanism allows the tax authority to conduct a risk analysis procedure after a tax number is assigned and the business share has been transferred. The tax authority may also send out a questionnaire in order to verify the personal, material and financial conditions necessary for the activity requested to be performed by the taxpayer.
2. Domestic Summary Declaration
From 1 January 2013, according to Article 31/B of the Act on the rules of taxation (Act no. 92 of 2003 on the rules of taxation) each individual taxpayer is obliged to declare all domestic sales and purchases item-by-item as a trading partner, where the value added tax charged reaches or exceeds 2,000,000 Hungarian Forints or where the value of the individual purchases remain under 2,000,000 Hungarian Forints, or the consolidated amount for the entire accounting period exceeds 2,000,000 Hungarian Forints for the trading partners.
3. Elimination of tax number without prior suspension
The new provision ensures stronger action by providing the possibility for the tax authority to erase a tax number - according to the terms defined by the law and even without prior suspension – of those fictional taxpayers that do not carry out real economic activity, do not fulfill their tax-related obligations for a long time and that are impossible to reach.
4. Covert sample purchases
Essentially, if the tax inspector finds no wrongdoing during a covert sample purchase, he or she is not obliged to disclose his or her identity.
5. Procedures for verifying the authenticity of economic events
During the procedure for verifying the authenticity of economic events, the tax authority verifies only questionable economic events without regard to the tax period, which helps to conduct a rapid and targeted procedure.
6. Time available for the allocation of reclaimed value added tax changed to 75 days
In 2012, the time available for the allocation of reclaimed value added tax was increased to 75 days. This allows additional time for a more careful selection and any potential relevant verifications. It also allows for the thorough assessment of economic activity as well as more information gathering for a transition to back-testing, as well as the conclusion of more evidence-based decisions.
7. Introduction of online cash registers
The transition process to the system of online registers can be considered efficient and successful. On 5 October 2014, the number of cash registers connected to the tax authority exceeded 179,000, which indicates that the transition is taking place at a good pace and according to expectations.
8. The use of publicly available information from the internet
During the controls useful information can be collected from the data placed on the Web. The tax authority collected information from the internet after 1 January 2012 primarily related to aesthetic and cosmetic service providers, online shops, and services related to real estate renting.
9. Tightened system of sanctions
Tax arrears revealed during tax inspections are sanctioned with a tax penalty. The tax penalty rate is 50 % of the tax arrears. In contrast to the previous tax penalty rate of 75 %, for the very grave and unlawful practices of concealment of income, bills, books, or the falsification and destruction of records, the legislature increased the tax penalty rate to 200 %. From 1 January 2012 the law introduced special sanctions on repeated violation of the obligation to keep records related to the determination of the normal market price by putting into place a potential tax penalty of up to 4 million Hungarian Forints per consolidated records and for a repeated failure related to the same records, a tax penalty of up to four times the initial tax penalty. An additional example of the significant tightening of the system of sanctions is that instead of the previous general tax penalty line, according to the new provisions the taxpayer can be sanctioned with a tax penalty of up to 1 million Hungarian Forint for failing the obligation of retention. If the taxpayer does not retain the printed invoice or receipt, regardless of whether the invoice or the receipt was actually used, the tax penalty can reach in case of enterprises 500,000 Hungarian Forints multiplied with the number of missing invoices and receipts.
10. Tightened cash flow
From 1 January 2012 the threshold of the obligation of cash payment notification between non-associated enterprises was reduced from 5 million Hungarian Forints to 2 million Hungarian Forints. The objective of this notification obligation is that the tax authority becomes informed about cash payments above a certain magnitude. From 1 January 2013 in addition to the notification obligation the law requires from those taxpayers that are under the obligation to open a current account, to perform a cash service only up to 1,5 million Hungarian Forints in a calendar month. Those who do not comply with the restrictive provisions can be sanctioned by the tax authority with a tax penalty of 20 % of the amount above the 1,5 million Hungarian Forints cash service provided. There is no margin of discretion regarding the determination of the tax penalty.
11. Electronic Control System for the Path of Goods (EKAER)
The EKAER is a comprehensive system of control to be introduced in 2015, with the objective of detecting the origin and the path of goods, more particularly related to the supply of goods / the procurement of goods and the first domestic taxable sales-related deliveries within the European Community. The EKAER operates with the help of the e-toll and road camera network, as well as a physical verification system, organised according to the NAV risk analysis system, and based on an electronically recorded and analysable data on transport. The aims of the EKAER are to monitor the path of goods, to suppress frauds related to value added tax, to ensure the payment of the relevant tax concerning the supply and sale of goods, and to guarantee that only those goods are placed on the Hungarian market that are verifiably not risky according to audit experiences and that have been declared to the local tax authority.
12. The role of exchange of information in the combat against tax avoidance
Exchange of information contributes to States’ efforts in enforcing their own internal taxation laws while respecting the rights of the taxpayers. The tax information exchange network allows for Hungary to request and share tax related information in relation to 103 other countries, which significantly adds to the suppression of tax avoidance. The expansion of the network was greatly supported by the fact that in November 2013 Hungary signed the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters and its Protocol that was promulgated by Act no. 42 of 2014. Since June 2011 the number of the conventions of Hungary on the avoidance of double taxation has also increased, which equally allows for the exchange of information in tax matters. New conventions of this kind are as follows: the Hungarian-Danish convention (promulgated by Act no. 83 of 2011), the convention between Hungary and the United Arab Emirates (promulgated by Act no. 161 of 2013), the Hungarian-Georgian convention (promulgated by Act no. 14 of 2012), the convention between Hungary and Qatar (promulgated by Act no. 15 of 2012), the convention between Hungary and Kosovo (promulgated by Act no. 187 of 2013), the convention between Hungary and Mexico (promulgated by Act no. 145 of 2011), the convention between Hungary and the United Kingdom of Great Britain (promulgated by Act no. 144 of 2011), the Hungarian-German convention (promulgated by Act no. 84 of 2011), the convention between Hungary and Switzerland (promulgated by Act no. 163 of 2013), the convention between Hungary and Saudi Arabia (promulgated by Act no. 52 of 2014), and the convention between Hungary and Bahrain (promulgated by Act no. 49 of 2014). In addition to the conventions on the avoidance of double taxation, Hungary also signed conventions on the exchange of information related to tax matters with Guernsey and Jersey and promulgated in Act no. 162 of 2013 and in Act no. 50 of 2014.
In the fight against tax avoidance – in addition to the exchange of information upon request – yet another important tool is the automatic exchange of tax-related information, according to which States automatically send to each other certain types of information. As a member of the EU, Hungary applies the relevant rules related to the automatic exchange of information. In addition, Hungary signed on 29 October 2014 the multilateral Standards for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information in Tax Matters that allows for the exchange of respective information with 50 countries’ relevant authorities.
The government has taken action to increase women’s representation in various sectors of public and private life as part of the National Gender Policy. The Family and Promotion of Women Ministry conducted a dialogue and organised a consultation to ascertain what women want and to strengthen the fight for gender equality and against domestic violence. In 2011, Law 25/11 Against Domestic Violence was approved. The corresponding regulations were introduced by Presidential Decree 165/13 of 30 September and Law 26/13 of 8 May, concerning the Executive Plan to Combat Domestic Violence. A timetable of activities has been put together by various sectors. In 2014, an extensive consultation of rural women was conducted and an action plan was prepared with a view to gradually eliminating the major problems faced by rural women.
Aprobación de la Ley de Igualdad, Equidad y Erradicación de la Discriminación contra las Mujeres y Ley Especial Integral para una Vida Libre de Violencia para las Mujeres. Ambas cuentan con aspectos específicos para el ámbito laboral.
El 19 de junio de 2012 se puso en marcha por parte del Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad la iniciativa “Empresas por una sociedad libre de violencia de género” mediante la firma de convenios de colaboración con grandes empresas de ámbito nacional y en distintos sectores de actividad en materia de sensibilización y/o integración social y laboral de mujeres que sufren violencia de género y, cuando la situación así lo requiera, facilitar su movilidad geográfica. También el Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad suscribe convenios de colaboración con entidades sin ánimo de lucro, para facilitar la intermediación laboral entre las empresas y las mujeres víctimas de violencia de género.
Con el objetivo de lograr la implicación de todos los agentes sociales en el logro de una sociedad libre de violencia de género, las empresas son esenciales, por su capacidad de impacto y sensibilización entre empleados y clientes y su asistencia a las mujeres que han sufrido malos tratos.
Actualmente, participan en la iniciativa 56 empresas privadas, 6 empresas públicas y dos entidades colaboradoras: Cruz Roja y Fundación Integra.
En el ámbito de la sensibilización las empresas han llevado a cabo más de 50 actuaciones dirigidas a conseguir una mayor concienciación social y la implicación de toda la ciudadanía en el logro de una sociedad libre de violencia de género.
En el ámbito de la inserción laboral de las mujeres que sufren violencia de género, en el primer semestre de 2014 se han firmado 447 contratos con 326 mujeres contratadas. Por lo tanto, desde el inicio del programa hasta la actualidad ha habido 1.873 contratos.
The government has begun to bolster gender policy in the business sector that makes women’s participation in decision-making compulsory.
The Hungarian Government supports in various ways and with different programmes the employment of women, such as:
Women’s rights - Guidance & incentives – MSDC [Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties] is committed towards increasing the female participation in the labour market and equality in employment at all levels. NCPE [National Commission for the Promotion of Equality] has embarked on a number of research activities to provide more guidance in the field.
Derechos de las mujeres y minorías.- porque conforme a la regla 7.1 de las Reglas de Operación mencionadas existen apoyos integrales denominados “Integra mujeres y población en situación de vulnerabilidad”, los cuales buscan tener el carácter transversal en las Reglas de Operación para 2015.
Awareness raising campaign of the MLSA on balancing work and family life aimed at employers.
Ha adoptado medidas para la erradicación del trabajo infantil a través del MTPS y la creación del Consejo Nacional de la Niñez y Adolescencia (CONNA).
Child labour is prohibited.
Example: Development, in collaboration with UNICEF, of a National Plan to eradicate child labour.
Trabajo Infantil.- porque en el anteproyecto de las Reglas de Operación para 2015 se establece una regla protectora del trabajo de los menores.
Child Labour: Support of the Stop Child Labour Campaign for a project on Child Labour Free Zones.
Reform of public procurement.
Reforma Constitucional que reconoce a los pueblos indígenas y sus derechos.
As a result of the different job-creation programmes, since 2011 employers that employ workers of Roma origin at newly established workplaces receive, in addition to the 1,500,000 Hungarian Forint support, 300,000 Hungarian Forint more support.
Derechos de las mujeres y minorías.- porque conforme a la regla 7.1 de las Reglas de Operación mencionadas existen apoyos integrales denominados “Integra mujeres y población en situación de vulnerabilidad”, los cuales buscan tener el carácter transversal en las Reglas de Operación para 2015.
Increasing the use of labour and social clauses in public contracts
Part of the foundation of the Danish labour market model is that work performed in Denmark must be performed on Danish pay and working conditions. In this, the authorities hold an important role in ensuring that underpaid foreign labour does not occur in public projects. The Government wants to ensure fair and reasonable pay and working conditions in accordance with ILO Convention 94 by increasing the use and better enforcement of labour clauses in public contracts (GP 5).
Migrant Workers – MSDC [Ministry for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties] is developing an Integration Strategy for Third Country Nationals.
This year, the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations commissioned a qualitative research study on the conditions and employment and level of Integration of third country nationals at their place of work. This report was discussed in a National Conference which the Department organised in collaboration with the International Organisation of Migration.
Angola has adopted legislative measures, revised legislation regulating the mining sector and strengthened environmental protection standards by introducing requirements for environmental impact studies and public consultations.
The government has introduced legislation and issued decrees to protect the environment, namely Presidential Decree 194/11 of 7 June on Environmental Degradation and Decree 3/2014 of 10 February on Environmental Crimes. Legislative measures have been taken to improve the environmental and social licensing system for companies, making it compulsory for companies to conduct environmental impact studies.
El gobierno argentino ha dado claras demostraciones de su compromiso con la ampliación de derechos humanos para amplios sectores de la población. Ello queda de manifiesto en una diversidad de leyes sancionadas, organismos y áreas específicas de tratamiento de las problemáticas para la accesibilidad y exigibilidad de los mismos.
Pueden listarse como ejemplo las siguientes leyes nacionales:
Algunos de los programas nacionales implementados:
Asignación Universal por HIJO
Jefatura de Gabinete de Ministros
Plan Nacional de Deporte Social
Programa Turismo Social - Tercera Edad
Programa Federal de Turismo Social – Escolar
Programa Federal de Turismo Social – Familiar
Programa Acciones Promocionales de la Argentina en el exterior
Programa Nacional para la Promoción de la Producción y el Consumo Sustentables
Programa PROSOBO (Programa Social de Bosques)
Programa BEC.AR - Becas de Formación en el Exterior en Ciencia y Tecnología
Ministerio del Interior
Programa Mi Pueblo
Programa Fortalecimiento de las Capacidades de Gestion Municipal "Buenas Prácticas"
Programa Nacional de Capacitación Política
Ministerio de Industria
Programa de Financiamiento Productivo del Bicentenario
Programa de Parques Industriales del Bicentenario
Programa PROARGENTINA – El portal de la PYME exportadora
Programa Crédito Fiscal para Capacitación
Programa de Acceso al Crédito y Competitividad (PACC)
Programa Sistemas Productivos Locales (Clusters)
Programas Jóvenes Pyme: Capital Semilla y Empresas Madrinas
Programa Expertos Pyme
Programa Agencias Pyme
Programa FONAPYME
Régimen de Bonificación de Tasas
Programa Sociedades de Garantías Reciprocas (SGR)
Programa MiPC
Ministerio de Economía
Programa Social Agropecuario (PSA)
Programa Federal de Reconversión Productiva para la Pequeña y Mediana Empresa Agropecuaria
Programa PROLANA Asistencia para el mejoramiento de la calidad de la lana
Programa Apoyo a la Producción Agropecuaria Patagónica en Emergencia
Programa Emergencia Agropecuaria
Programa PROINDER Proyecto de Desarrollo para Pequeños Productores Agropecuarios (BIRF Nº 4212 – AR)
Programa PROSAP Servicios Agrícolas Provinciales – BID Nº 899/ BIRF Nº 4150 - AR
Programa para el Mejoramiento de la Producción y Calidad del Mohair
Programa de Desarrollo Rural de las Provincias del Noroeste Argentino (PRODERNEA) (FIDA Nº 417)
Proyecto para el Desarrollo Rural de las Provincias del Noroeste Argentino (PRODERNOA)
PROGRAMA Nº 1: Asesoramiento y oferta de servicios en el área de iluminación (Luminotecnia)
PROGRAMA Nº 2: Asesoramiento y oferta de servicios en el área de Uso Eficiente de la Energía
PROGRAMA Nº 3: Régimen de Crédito fiscal para capacitación
Programa Federal de Capacitación y Asistencia Técnica para MIPyMES
Programa Capacitación por Medio del Crédito Fiscal
Programa MyPES II – Ex INICIAR Programa Global de Crédito para la Micro y Pequeña Empresa
Programa Estímulo al Crecimiento de las Micro, Pequeñas y Medianas Empresas (Decreto Nº 748/2000)
Programa Apoyo a la Primera Exportación
Programa Fondo de Garantía para la Micro, Pequeña y Mediana Empresa (FOGAPyME)
Programa Impulso Argentino - Fondo de Capital Social
Ministerio de Planificación Federal, Inversión Pública y Servicios
Plan Agua Mas Trabajo
Programa de Mejoramiento de barrios - PROMEBA ( BID Nº 940 - AR)
Programa PROMES Obras Menores de Saneamiento
Programa PROSAC Saneamiento pasa localidades en Situación de Carencia
Programa de Financiamiento a Municipios (AR y BID Nº 830/OC-AR)
Programa PROPASA
Programa de Emergencia Habitacional (Viviendas por Cooperativas)
Programa PROSOFA Desarrollo Social en Areas de Frontera del NOA y NEA con NBI (ARG-7/94 FONPLATA)
Programa Nacional para la sociedad de la Información. "[email protected]"
Ministerio de Educación
Programa Nacional de Becas Estudiantiles (PNBE)
Programa Dirección Nacional de Programas Compensatorios
Programa FONTAR – Fondo Tecnológico Argentino
Programa Dirección de Infraestructura Escolar
Ministerio de Desarrollo Social
Programa Pensiones Asistenciales (No Contributivas/Graciables)
Programa Nacional de Cuidados Domiciliarios
Plan Nacional de Seguridad Alimentaria
Plan Nacional de Desarrollo Local y Economía Social "Manos a la Obra"
Programa INAES – Educación y Capacitación, Cooperativa y Mutual
Programa INAES – Apoyo Financiero para Cooperativas y Mutuales
Programa INAES – Base de Expertos
Programa PRO-HUERTA Programas Huertas
Programa REDES Regional de Emprendimientos Sociales
Programa FOPAR Fondo Participativo de Inversión Social
Programa Coordinación de Asistencia Directa a Instituciones
Ministerio de Salud
Programa Federal de Salud
Programa Prevención y Control de Intoxicaciones
Programa Nacional de Prevención y Control del Cólera
Programa Nacional de Control de Cáncer
Programa Prevención y Control de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares
Programa Prevención y Control de Diabetes
Programa Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica
Programa Vigilancia y Control del Aedes Aegypti. Prevención del Dengue
Programa REMEDIAR
Programa ANAHI Apoyo Nacional de Acciones Humanitarias para las Poblaciones Indígenas
Programa Nacional de Salud Integral para el Adolescente
Programa Nacional de Salud Sexual y Procreación Responsable (Ley 25.673)
Programa SIDA (LUSIDA) Nacional de Lucha contra los Retrovirus Humanos
Programa Nacional de Control de Vectores
Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciones
Programa PROMIN Materno Infantil
Ministerio de Trabajo Empleo y Seguridad Social
Programa Promoción y Sostenimiento del Empleo Privado
Programa de Empleo Público de Emergencia
Programa Red de Oficinas de Empleo
Programa de Certificación de Competencias Laborales
Programa de Apoyo a la búsqueda de Empleo e Inserción laboral de personascon capacidades especiales
Programa de Apoyo a los Talleres Protegidos de Producción
Programa Seguro por Desempleo
Ministerio de Justicia, Seguridad y Derechos Humanos
Programa Nacional de Criminalística
Plan Nacional de Prevención del Delito
Programa Integral de Reforma Judicial
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, Comercio Internacional y Culto
Programa Regional Somos Mercosur
* Asimismo, durante el año 2014, la Presidente de la Nación Argentina, anunció el envío de tres proyectos de ley al Congreso vinculados a la Defensa del Consumidor:
* También debe destacarse la creación, en 2011, del "Programa ARGENTINA COMPRA" para la promoción de compras públicas sustentables, coordinado por Jefatura de Gabinete de la Nación.
* Por otro lado, Argentina es miembro del Grupo de Amigos del Párrafo 47 (GoFP47) a través de las gestiones de la Subsecretaría como Punto Focal, donde el objeto del mismo es promover los reportes de sustentabilidad, como herramienta de transparencia de los organismos.
El GoFP47 se crea en el año 2002 a partir del párrafo 47 del documento final de la Conferencia de Desarrollo Sostenible de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU) - Río +20, denominado “El futuro que queremos”; sus miembros son Brasil, Dinamarca, Francia Sudáfrica,
En la Carta constitutiva del Grupo de Amigos del Párrafo 47 se enuncia: “Entendemos los Informes de Sustentabilidad como la publicación de información relativa al desempeño y al significativo impacto económico, social, ambiental y de gobernabilidad de una empresa. Los Informes son un factor clave para asumir la responsabilidad empresarial y para demostrar el valor económico a largo plazo de una empresa. Entendemos la responsabilidad empresarial como la responsabilidad de una compañía por los impactos de sus actividades en la sociedad y en el medio ambiente, ejercida a través de un comportamiento transparente y ético que contribuya al desarrollo sostenible, incluyendo la salud y el bienestar de la sociedad.” Desde este enfoque es que se considera a la participación en el GoFP47 como un canal de acceso a la reparación de los DDHH.
Depending on the specific activity of the company and the location of its operation, different rules on environmental impact analysis applies. Furthermore, potential social and environmental impact is duly investigated in the pre-licencing hearing process, which also involves all citizens that might be affected by the activities of the company.
Human rights are fully integrated into Danish law and all companies are expected to comply with the law without undergoing a specific licensing process in advance.
Reforma a la Ley de partidos políticos que establece un sistema de cuota mínima del 30% de mujeres en planillas de candidaturas y avances en el ejercicio del derecho al voto para la población Transgénero para que ejerzan su derechos al sufragio con la identidad de género elegida.
Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social:
El Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social cuenta con la Dirección General de Inspecciones, la cual tiene como finalidad y por mandato de la Ley de Organización y Funciones del Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social Esta Dirección cuenta con los Departamentos de Inspección de Industria y Comercio; del Departamento de Inspección Agropecuaria y con las Oficinas Regionales de Trabajo y dispondrá de un cuerpo de supervisores, inspectores y de los empleados que exijan las necesidades del servicio y tiene como finalidad velar por el cumplimiento de las disposiciones legales de trabajo y las normas básicas de higiene y seguridad ocupacionales, como medio de prevenir los conflictos laborales y velar por la seguridad en el centro de trabajo. Esta función se cumple a nivel nacional.
Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales:
Acciones realizadas por el MARN, en relación a la protección del derecho humano al medio ambiente sano y ecológicamente equilibrado, que se desarrolló desde del año 2012
Con el objetivo de modernizar el sistema judicial y dotarlo de una mayor eficacia, agilizando los tiempos de respuesta judicial, se aprobó el Plan de Acción de la Secretaría General de la Administración de Justicia 2012-2014, que persigue una modificación estructural de la Administración. Para reforzar la formación en este ámbito se elabora anualmente un Plan de Formación Continua en el Centro de Estudios Jurídicos al que acceden miembros de la Carrera Fiscal y de los cuerpos de Secretarios Judiciales, Médicos Forenses y demás personal al servicio de la Administración de Justicia, así como los Abogados del Estado. El 5 de julio de 2011 se aprobó la Ley 18/2011 reguladora del uso de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en la Administración de Justicia cuyo objetivo es facilitar la relación de los ciudadanos y los profesionales con la Administración de Justicia.
Export credit agencies
The publication of the UN principles and the update of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises in 2011 have had the effect in public export credits of increasing the amount of attention being paid to the impact on human rights in the projects guaranteed. Finland’s official export guarantee company, Finnvera, uses policies updated on 1 January 2013 for evaluating the environmental and social effects of projects (cf. [link]). When granting export credit guarantees and confirming export credit guarantee conditions, the environmental and social impacts of the project in question are taken into consideration as part of the project’s total risk assessment. The development of Finnvera’s environmental and social impact assessment is continuing in accordance with the OECD Common Approaches agreement. As with other public export credit companies, Finnvera also reports on its progress at the expert meetings related to the OECD agreement.
In autumn 2011, Finnfund, a Finnish development finance company, and twenty-four other providers of development funds signed the principles of good governance and guidelines on how the providers of development funds attempt to promote good governance in the companies funded and thereby support the sustainable economic development of developing countries. In addition, the activities of Finnfund itself and of the companies it funds should be both environmentally and socially sustainable. The same principles of responsibility apply to the activities of both Finnfund and Finnpartnership, The Finnish Business Partnership Programme, alike.
Finnvera’s project review examines the level of the project’s environmental and social impacts. The review also pays attention to the impacts of associated facilities.
In general, Finnvera’s project review encompasses the whole project even when export financing is granted only for a part of the project or for an individual delivery of equipment that is associated with a project. In justified cases, a rough review is conducted on all operations directly linked with the project (e.g. an old industrial plant) if the operations are deemed to involve significant environmental and/or social risks or consequent credit risks.
The project category given by Finnvera determines the level of the background studies required by the project:
A: The applicant shall provide Finnvera with an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report as well as other information pertaining to the project, such as any action plans that may have been made. The ESIA report must address the issues mentioned in Annex II of the OECD Recommendation. Apart from assessing environmental and social impacts, the ESIA report includes the process for consulting the local population and other relevant bodies and the Environmental and Social Management Plan for the operations.
B: The project review is based on the ESIA or other reports compiled on the project, the answers to individual questions concerning environmental and social impacts and, if necessary, further studies conducted by outside experts.
C: No background studies are needed. However, in individual cases, for instance the validity of the environmental permit may be checked.
The owner of the project company and/or the main supplier for the project and/or the project sponsor and/or the exporter is responsible for ensuring that the background studies required by the project category are made or commissioned. The applicant for export financing is responsible for supplying the information to Finnvera. When collecting background information, Finnvera also checks any statements and reports that are available through the National Contact Point (NCP) of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
The level of the project’s environmental and social impacts is benchmarked against the requirements laid down in local legislation and in the international standards in force. The benchmarking is primarily based on the World Bank Group’s technical environmental standards and ten Safeguard Policies that are relevant for the project. Alternatively, the benchmarking may be based on the eight Performance Standards of the IFC² when this is justified due to a large project size or due to that the transactions share characteristics with project finance, or when other participating financial institutions use them.
If the project is carried out using project finance, the benchmarking is made on the basis of the aspects that are essential for the project among the eight IFC Performance Standards. If a major multilateral financial institution³ participates in the financing of the project, the standards of the institution in question can be used for benchmarking the level of environmental and social impacts.
A more stringent standard than those listed above, such as European Union standards, can also be used for benchmarking the level of the project’s environmental and social impacts.
The project must meet the requirements of local legislation and the requirements of the international standards used in the assessment of the project if these are stricter than local legislation.
In the main, if a project is carried out within the EU in accordance with the requirements of EU legislation, Finnvera’s assessment of the project is more concise than normally. The same is done in individual cases if the project is carried out in the territory of some other country in accordance with that country’s legislation when this legislation is comparable to that of the EU. However, the assessments and reviews conducted and any environmental permits granted must be submitted to Finnvera, if necessary.
In relation to Finnvera’s policy, enterprises are required to report on environmental and social impacts.
Environmental impacts may be associated with factors such as: atmospheric emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions; waste water; solid waste; hazardous waste; noise and vibration; and significant use of natural resources.
Social impacts may be associated with factors such as: labour rights and working conditions; community health and safety and security; land acquisition and involuntary resettlement; the rights of indigenous peoples; cultural heritage; and project-specific human rights factors, such as forced labour, child labour and occupational health and safety situations posing a threat to human life.
[Reporting requirements:] The provisions on transparency obligations derive from the Act of 12 July 2010, which added provisions to Article L.226-102-1 of the Commercial Code to make it an obligation for companies to publish 42 pieces of labour, social and environmental information (including human rights information) in the report submitted by the board of directors or the management board, as applicable, to the general meeting. This information must be checked beforehand by an independent third-party body, which is tasked with issuing an opinion about its accuracy. This opinion must also be published in the report. The independent third-party body performs its duties in accordance with the procedures set out in the Decree of 24 April 2012 (Articles R.225-104 et seqq. of the Commercial Code) and in the Order of 13 May 2013. The information must refer not only to the company established on national territory, but also to its subsidiaries located abroad, where applicable.
[Bill on mandatory due diligence:] On 23 June 2014, the national parliament passed the Bill on the guidance and programming of development and international solidarity policy. Article 5 of the Bill sets out that, within the framework of the corporate social responsibility requirement, firms shall establish risk management procedures intended to identify, prevent or mitigate social, health and environmental risks and human rights abuses that may derive from their activities in partner countries. France encourages companies headquartered on its territory that have operations abroad to implement the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council. France, therefore, pays particular attention to the establishment of due diligence mechanisms in multinational enterprises in order to identify, prevent or mitigate human rights abuses.
Italy has made an international contribution to the drafting and adoption of the new 2012 OECD Council Recommendation on Common Approaches for Officially Supported Export Credits and subsidised export credits and Environmental and Social Due Diligence. The Recommendation makes specific reference to the work of Professor Ruggie and stands as a commitment to ensure that export credit operations meet international standards including elements of due diligence and the promotion of human rights.
The governmental authorities participated in elaboration of the Memorandum on Corporate and Social Responsibility, which was signed in 2010. The Memorandum was prepared by the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia, the Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia, the Parliament, the Ministry of Welfare, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development, the State Labour Inspectorate, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau and other institutions. The Memorandum is based on several main principles as compliance with labour law, protection and promotion of human rights, sustainable exploitation of natural resources, reduction of the risk of corruption. As an example of CSR programmes can be mentioned also Declaration on respect, tolerance and cooperation on the Internet, which was signed by editors of Internet portals, associations, foundations and public institutions in 2006. Declaration aims to reduce and combat intolerance and manifestations of hatred on the Internet without compromising freedom of expression and to promote open and reasoned debate.
Actions taken include:
Existen diversas medidas que las empresas deben seguir en torno al impacto que sus actividades pueden tener sobre los derechos humanos.
En el caso del impacto ambiental en particular, se ha establecido lo siguiente:
Todas las leyes y reglamentos aprobados a nivel federal siguen el procedimiento constitucional conforme al artículo 72 de la CPEUM.
En particular, la Cédula de Operación Anual (COA) siguió un proceso de consultas con partes interesadas, y para la elaboración del diagnóstico del Programa Nacional de Derechos Humanos 2014-2018 se consultaron informes, estudios y reportes emitidos por el Estado mexicano, organismos internacionales, organizaciones de la sociedad civil y la academia.
En materia de contrataciones públicas en la Administración Pública Federal (APF), se han incluido disposiciones que se relacionan con los derechos humanos en la Ley de Adquisiciones, Arrendamientos y Servicios del Sector Público (LAASSP), en la Ley de Obras Públicas y Servicios Relacionados con las Mismas (LOPSRM), en sus respectivos Reglamentos (RLAASSP y RLOPSRM), y en lineamientos:
Por otra parte, la Secretaría de la Función Pública ha realizado acciones tendientes a modificar la LOPSRM, elaborando un anteproyecto de iniciativa de reforma que busca que los contratistas y los subcontratistas de la Administración Pública Federal cumplan con sus obligaciones de seguridad social para tener como cumplidos los trabajos contratados. Lo anterior, como una estrategia a fin de reducir la informalidad y generar empleos mejor remunerados, como lo establece el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 2013-2018.
De la normatividad en materia de contrataciones públicas en México se desprende que existen requisitos de debida diligencia en materia de derechos humanos en las áreas de derechos de las personas con discapacidad; apoyo a campesinos y grupos urbanos marginados; y fomento al respeto de los derechos de seguridad social de los trabajadores.
Como ya se comentó, cuando algún proyecto es autorizado en materia de impacto y riesgo ambiental, se condiciona al promovente a presentar informes de cumplimiento de condicionantes (programas de: reforestación, de ahuyentamiento de fauna, seguimiento ambiental, indicadores de agua, suelo, aire, etc.), respecto de la ejecución del proyecto, mismos que harán de conocimiento a la Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente, so pena de aplicación de un procedimiento administrativo sancionatorio, civil o penal.
Asimismo, Petróleos Mexicanos y la Comisión Federal de Electricidad son sectores de jurisdicción federal e informan a través de la COA su desempeño ambiental anualmente.
De forma general, todas las instituciones financieras deben respetar los derechos humanos de conformidad con el artículo 1º de la Constitución Mexicana y en seguimiento al Plan Nacional de Desarrollo y el Programa Nacional de Derechos Humanos 2014-2018
México reconoce el derecho humano de toda persona a un medio ambiente sano para su desarrollo y bienestar. En virtud de ello, a través del procedimiento de evaluación del impacto ambiental, la Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales establece las condiciones a que se sujetará la realización de obras y actividades que puedan causar desequilibrio ecológico o rebasar los límites y condiciones establecidos en las disposiciones aplicables para proteger el ambiente y preservar y restaurar los ecosistemas, a fin de evitar o reducir al mínimo sus efectos negativos sobre el medio ambiente. Para tal efecto, los interesados deben presentar una manifestación de impacto ambiental, la cual debe contener, por lo menos, una descripción de los posibles efectos en el o los ecosistemas que pudieran ser afectados por la obra o actividad de que se trate, considerando el conjunto de los elementos que conforman dichos ecosistemas, así como las medidas preventivas, de mitigación y las demás necesarias para evitar y reducir al mínimo los efectos negativos sobre el ambiente.
Tratándose de obras o actividades sobre las tierras, territorios y recursos naturales de los Pueblos y Comunidades Indígenas, se realizan consultas libres, previas e informadas de conformidad con lo que establece para tal efecto el Convenio 169 de la OIT, tratado del que México es Parte.
Dentro del procedimiento de evaluación de impacto ambiental, existen dos figuras para hacer del conocimiento a la sociedad en general, a saber:
Cuando algún proyecto incide o pudiera afectar directa o indirectamente los derechos de las comunidades indígenas (tierras, agua, costumbres, religión, rutas sagradas, etc.) de conformidad con los artículos 6, 7, 15 y demás relativos al Convenio 169 de la OIT, se lleva a cabo la Consulta a las Comunidades Indígenas, a efecto de recabar el acuerdo o en su caso el consentimiento previo, libre e informado (dependiendo del grado de afectación) respecto del proyecto sometido a evaluación. Si el tiempo de evaluación no fuera suficiente para desahogar la consulta a las comunidades indígenas (60 o hasta 120 días hábiles) se pude condicionar el proyecto para que antes de iniciar la obra o actividad pretendida, obtenga el acuerdo o consentimiento previo libre e informado.
Asimismo, si bien en los acuerdos internacionales sobre inversión vigentes no se ha incorporado el elemento de los derechos humanos, el modelo de texto de México en estos acuerdos está en proceso de revisión este año. El elemento del impacto de las inversiones extranjeras en los derechos humanos es uno de los puntos que deberá estudiarse con todo cuidado como parte de la revisión referida.
Por otra parte, respecto de la promoción de la inversión para el sector minero que realiza el gobierno mexicano a través de la CGM, se lleva a cabo exhortando a los interesados a cumplir con los principios de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, el cumplimiento de las leyes y desde luego el respeto por los derechos humanos.
Lo anterior se respalda con el artículo 27 fracción IV y el 37 fracción II de la Ley Minera, referente a que las empresas del sector deberán sujetarse a las disposiciones generales y a las normas oficiales mexicanas aplicables en materia de seguridad, seguridad en las minas y de equilibrio ecológico y protección al ambiente.
Toda actividad de aprovechamiento de los recursos naturales conlleva: Al apego irrestricto de las disposiciones enmarcadas en la Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, las leyes que de ella emanen; los reglamentos de estas leyes y la normatividad establecida. (Incluyen los temas laboral, ambiental, seguridad, etc.) y por consiguiente, las empresas que se dedican a la industria extractiva en especial la minero-metalúrgica, tienen que cumplir también la obligación de observar absolutamente en todo con lo establecido por los Derechos Humanos.
Salud Ambiental.- porque el artículo 11, fracción X de la LESS, establece como una de las prácticas de los OSSE la “protección del medio ambiente”
1. Company reporting requirements on CSR including human rights introduced from June 2013 by amendment of the Norwegian Accounting Act §3.3
2. The Norwegian Parliament in December 2013 unanimously passed a law introducing country-by-country reporting for mining and forestry industries.
3. The Government expressed clear expectations on companies with direct state ownership to respect human rights and conduct relevant human rights due diligence in accordance with the UNGPs in its report to the Parliament No. 27, 2013-2014. For further details, see Section 1. The report is to be available in English in December 2014.
4. The Government released a white paper (report to the Parliament No. 10, 2014-2015) on 12 December 2014 on human rights as a tool in foreign and development policy, including a chapter on business and human rights explaining the UNGPs and expressing expectations that companies respect human rights in accordance with the UNGPs.
5. The Norwegian Export Credit Guarantee Agency has strengthened its policy on environmental and social conditions, and refers inter alia to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
6. The Norwegian Agency for Public Management and Government is currently developing templates and guidance to facilitate respect for human rights in public procurement.
7. See also strengthening of the Norwegian NCP in Section 1.
In addition to the above-mentioned legal and institutional programmes, the following plans and policies should be noted:
On matters of work, employment and social security, all the measures were taken after tripartite consultations (government, employers’ professional organizations and workers’ organizations) and even quadripartite consultations because, on sensitive issues such as combating the worst forms of child labour or forced labour, it is often necessary to involve key civil-society organizations (non-governmental organizations and associations).
Investment: support for a project developing a human rights benchmark for investors/investments.
Reporting: The UK Companies Act 2006 sets out the requirement for quoted companies to report on human rights as part of their duty to provide a strategic (non-financial) report on an annual basis where it is necessary for an understanding of the business (section 414C (7)(iii) refers – [link]
This requirement will shortly be strengthened further. The UK has played a leading role in negotiating tough, but practical, EU-wide human rights disclosure requirements which will take effect from 2016 across all EU Member States. For large listed companies, we will have some of the strongest human rights disclosure requirements in the world. These requirements are aligned to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
Guidance to companies: Guidance to companies on managing human rights risk such as provided by Overseas Business Risk Service. We have developed guidance for the ICT sector on human rights risks relating to cyber exports. We have worked with the financial sector to support a focus on human rights reporting and transparency for investors, which acts as a multiplier through the economy. We have supported specific Business and Human Rights projects globally with a focus on implementation of the UN Guiding Principles.
The Chairperson, Advocate Lawrence M Mushwana, hosted a 2 day workshop on Business and Human Rights on issues of affecting non-nationals on the 8 and 9 December 2014, in conjunction with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations. At this time, the report of this workshop is yet to be published.
Commissioner Lindiwe Mokate gave a presentation at a meeting of the UN African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights on “How National Human Rights Institutions can protect Human Rights Defenders in Business and Human Rights”, in Ethiopia in September 2014.
In her presentation, the Commissioner examined the role of human rights defenders and the precarious position human rights defenders found themselves in, when faced with business (entities). The Commission highlighted the role of National Human Rights Institutions, namely: to protect human rights violations in business; and to protect human rights defenders in business. Human rights defenders find themselves in non-profit organisations, trade unions, media groups and other public forums. Through their engagements, they place themselves at risk ranging from physical assault and extrajudicial executions; intimidation; harassment and the absence of legal representation when they need it.
The Commissioner also highlighted case studies where business and human rights were explored by the South African Human Rights Commission. These include: representation of public interest, research on causes of human rights violations and monitoring the Commission of Enquiry regarding the Marikana Platinum Mine atrocity of August 2012; submissions to the President of South Africa and Parliament on the impact of human rights on media practitioners and whistle blowers; and ensuring compliance with human rights where children are concerned regarding the delivery of learning material, through conducting public hearings.
The Government and agencies should play a proactive and supportive role in the processes mentioned above. Accordingly the Government is engaged in ongoing dialogues with Swedish enterprises both in Sweden and abroad mainly through its missions abroad, on the importance of addressing sustainable business issues.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
Protection of human rights in general
OECD NCP:
The Swiss Government is for instance working on a Guidance for trading with commodities, cf. recommendation 11 of the “Background Report: Commodities” of March 27, 2013: “A working group, in cooperation with representatives of the stakeholders involved (specifically, the cantons, as well as companies and NGOs) should prepare proposals for corporate social responsibility standards (including implementation mechanisms) for the commodity merchanting industry. Based on those proposals, consideration should be given to the submission of initiatives and international guidelines – designed, specifically, also to deal with ecological effects – before the appropriate international bodies.”
The Angolan government is preparing a generic National Human Rights Education Strategy and is studying the possibility of adopting measures on Business and Human Rights in accordance with the guidelines issued by the United Nations Human Rights Council.
En cuanto a la política de RESPONSABILIDAD SOCIAL, en la articulación con las empresas, el Ministerio de Desarrollo Social privilegia acciones vinculadas con la promoción de derechos humanos, la inclusión social y laboral.
En cada una de nuestras acciones promovemos los principios de Pacto Global de Naciones Unidas vinculados a 3 grandes ejes fundamentales:
La Responsabilidad Social entendida como una forma de gestión que promueve el valor ético, económico, social y ambiental, incorpora elementos tradicionales de la Responsabilidad Social Corporativa tales como:
Pero, al mismo tiempo, suma aspectos centrales vinculados a las políticas sociales en acción:
El Paradigma que buscamos fortalecer no se agota en la implementación de actividades filantrópicas, compensatorias y de carácter asistencial o paliativo; porque se busca algo más que la donación de dinero, productos o servicios. En este sentido, definimos como regla básica contemplar las múltiples perspectivas e intereses en juego, con una mirada integral puesta en las personas como sujetos de derecho.
Las estrategias promovidas desde la Subsecretaría de Responsabilidad Social buscan la participación de distintos actores y sectores sociales que involucran sus capacidades y recursos para hacer realidad proyectos colectivos de cambio social a lo largo de todo el país. La RESPONSABILIDAD SOCIAL es una forma de gestión que privilegia la ética, la transparencia y el compromiso con los demás, a la hora de promover el desarrollo de una sociedad.
Desde el área se abordan diferentes TEMÁTICAS: trabajo y empleo, ambiente; emprendimientos, cooperativas y empresas recuperadas; deporte y actividad física, educación, salud, promoción de derechos humanos, cultura, arte, fortalecimiento territorial, entre otras.
A partir de la implementación de una variedad de ESTRATEGIAS, entre otras: a. Inclusión laboral, b. Compras socialmente responsables y negocios inclusivos; c. Comunicación, sensibilización y concientización social; d. Producción y Comercialización sustentable; e. Formación e investigación en Responsabilidad Social; f. Registro Único de Organizaciones Socialmente Responsables; g. Cooperación Internacional.
Brazil has not yet adopted a National Action Plan, although it is due to hold a public consultation (encompassing businesses, civil society and government agencies) to identify the main challenges to implementation of the Guiding Principles and to map existing good practices.
Bulgaria has not adopted a National Action Plan yet. The NAP is under consideration. However MFA and MLSP have not taken decision about the place of the future NAP. The question is should the Nap be integrated within the new CSR strategy or it has to be independent paper passed by the government.
Cf. answer to question 1 above.
With regards to CSR, Belgium has adopted its first CSR action plan in 2006. The latter was updated in 2010. A new update is foreseen in the framework of the upcoming NAP on Business & Human Rights.
El Gobierno de Chile no ha adoptado aún un Plan de Acción Nacional sobre empresas y derechos humanos hasta el momento, pero está planeando desarrollar uno para llevar a cabo la implementación de los Principios Rectores en el país.
El Consejo de Responsabilidad Social realizó un Plan de Trabajo, entre cuyas medidas se encuentra el desarrollo de un Plan Nacional de Acción de Empresas y Derechos Humanos, el que se hará tomando en cuenta un estudio de línea base sobre la situación actual en el país respecto a la implementación de los Principios Rectores.
Actualmente, el gobierno Colombiano no cuenta con un plan de acción, sin embargo, ha adelantado un trabajo de dos años y tiene como meta tenerlo para finales de 2015. En trabajo que ha realizado el gobierno colombiano puede destacarse como un resultado importante el documento de “Lineamientos para una Política Pública de Derechos Humanos y Empresas”, el cual recoge las lecciones y recomendaciones realizadas desde el gobierno nacional, la sociedad civil y representantes del sector privado que participaron en múltiples escenarios multiactor, consultas nacionales, consultas regionales y diálogos bilaterales. Dicho documento se divide en tres pilares y contiene la hoja de ruta para la elaboración del Plan Nacional de Acción en 2015.
Ahora bien, vale la pena mencionar que si bien el Gobierno Colombiano no ha completado su fase de creación del Plan Nacional de Acción, cuenta con un marco normativo amplio que, siendo susceptible de mejora, permite abordar varios de los desafíos existentes.
Así pues, alguna de la normatividad existente es la siguiente:
No discriminación :
Laboral :
Ambiental :
Responsabilidad penal y civil :
Propiedad y acceso a la tierra :
Privacidad :
Yes, the Danish Government has developed a National Action Plan for the implementation of the UNGP on Business and Human Rights. The NAP was published in March 2014: [link]
The NAP has been developed by the Ministry of Business and Growth and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A number of other ministries and organisations have also contributed to the NAP: Ministry of Employment, Ministry of Justice, and the Danish Institute for Human Rights.
Denmark applies a rights based approach to development. The human rights based approach entails that political dialogue with partners and concrete development interventions are guided by human rights standards and principles, focusing in particular on rights-holders and duty–bearers and their capacities to claim and fulfill obligations related to human rights.
Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social:
Se Cuenta con un Comité Nacional para la Erradicación de las Peores formas de Trabajo Infantil, el cual coordina el Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social y en el cual participan representantes de empresas y otras instituciones de gobierno.
La Secretaria Técnica de la Presidencia coordina la Mesa Nacional Laboral, a través de la cual sindicatos y organizaciones sociales participan y actúan en función del cumplimiento de los derechos laborales.
El Ministerio de Trabajo coordina el Consejo Superior del Trabajo que es un mecanismo derivado de los convenios con la OIT y tiene como finalidad articular el mecanismo tripartito a nivel nacional. Actualmente inactivo por iniciativa de la Empresa Privada que no ha delegado su participación.
El Ministerio de Trabajo coordina el Consejo Nacional del Salario Mínimo, el cual tiene como finalidad desarrollar acciones e iniciativas en función de la regulación del salario minimo este mecanismo igualmente funciona en cumplimiento de los convenio con la OIT como mecanismo de consulta tripartita (Gobierno, Empresas y Trabajadores).
The NAP for Business and Human Rights has not been adopted yet. The issue is currently under consideration.
The exact timeframe of the preparation of national action plan on business and human rights is not established yet, the first phase is planned to be concluded by spring 2015.
Desde 2012 se ha trabajado en la elaboración del Plan Nacional de Empresas y Derechos Humanos (PNEDH), que se encuentra en la última fase de tramitación, previa a su elevación al Consejo de Ministros para aprobación. El PNEDH desarrolla uno por uno los Principios Rectores basados en el Marco de Naciones Unidas “proteger, respetar y remediar”.
El 24 de octubre de 2014 el Consejo de Ministros aprobó la Estrategia Española de Responsabilidad Social de las Empresas, que tiene un enfoque de derechos humanos.
On September 24th, 2014, on the margins of the UN General Assembly, President Obama announced the development of a U.S. National Action Plan to promote responsible and transparent business conduct overseas.
The NAP will address ways in which the U.S. government can promote, encourage, and enforce established norms of responsible business conduct with respect to human rights, labour rights, anti-corruption, and transparency.
In doing so, the National Action Plan will: help set clear, consistent, and predictable expectations for U.S. firms in their global operations; facilitate internal U.S. government communication and coordination; strengthen the trust and communication among stakeholders; identify USG commitments to assist in creating a rights-respecting enabling environment for businesses operating abroad; and further promote responsible investment and responsible business conduct.
In developing the National Action Plan we will take on a whole of government approach and will involve many U.S. agencies. Since the President’s announcement, the White House has convened various U.S. government agencies to begin discussing the contours of and process for fulfilling this commitment.
Estonia does not have a national action plan of business & human rights. Promotion and protection of fundamental and human rights, included in business and labour items, are protected by the Constitution of Estonia and are an integral part of legislative drafting and law-making.
In Estonia a number of specific strategies and action plans cover the basis of business & human rights principles. For example: Estonian Entrepreneurship Growth Strategy 2014-2020; The Estonian foreign investments and export action plan for the years 2014-2017 for increasing the export capacity of Estonian companies and involving foreign investments: Made in Estonia 3.0; Digital Agenda 2020 for Estonia; Estonian Educational Strategy for 2012-2020 including HR education; Estonian Lifelong Learning Strategy 2014-2020; Estonian Anti-Corruption Strategy 2013-2020; The Strategy of Integration and Social Cohesion in Estonia to 2020 etc.
Yes, the UNGP Action Plan is available online in English here: [link].
A National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights is being drafted to complement the National Action Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility, as required by the European Commission. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the National Consultative Commission on Human Rights to give an opinion, which was delivered in October 2013. The opinion included a number of recommendations. Since then, these recommendations have been undergoing interministerial review and will eventually serve as the basis for the French Action Plan.
No. But the Government is working towards the adoption of a country action plan on the VPs instead. It is foreseeable that a country action plan will be adopted. The foundation has been laid in July 2014 by organizing three workshops on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights aimed towards implementation of the Guidelines.
No, the government has not taken any action in this respect. However, the National Agency for the Promotion of Good Governance and the Fight Against Corruption (ANLC) has initiated a plan to raise awareness of the Global Compact, which takes into account corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The introduction of an action plan to implement the principles set forth in the United Nations Global Compact is envisaged and will require capacity-building and the transfer of skills and knowledge linked to the issue in order to achieve the objective.
The examination of the national implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights and the adoption of a related National Action Plan forms part of the Government’s plans for the future. For the time being, with the adoption of the CSR Action Plan the Hungarian Government promotes the business and human rights by encouraging non-discriminatory employment.
I don't know yet whether the government will take this initiative. As far [as] I know, there are no plan[s] to take this issue as an important agenda [item] for the new elected government.
The Government of Ireland decided on 24 June 2014 that Ireland would develop a national plan for the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The Human Rights Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is leading the development of the plan.
An inter-departmental working group has been formed consisting of focal points from each Government Department. The National Plan on Business and Human Rights will build on the achievements of Ireland’s National Plan on Corporate Social Responsibility which was published by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in April 2014.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade NGO Forum on Human Rights which took place on 7 November 2014 marked the start of the consultation process on Ireland’s National Plan.
The Forum provided an opportunity for business, NGOs, trade unions and academics to exchange views on best practices in relation to Business and Human Rights and in particular with a view to informing the process of development and the content of a Plan to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The Human Rights Unit has established a dedicated email inbox to which members of the public can send submissions in relation to the National Plan: [email protected]
The Department will engage in a consultation process beginning in January 2015 which will involve Government departments and agencies and in collaboration with the business community and civil society groups.
This question does not apply.
The Government adopted a National Action Plan on business and human rights in March 2014.
At the moment Japan does not have a National Action Plan on business and human rights. However, Japan does have a national plan on human rights education and enlightenment. In the plan, the government is to call for business sector to promote female participation, respect for children's human rights, and corporation on other human rights issues.
At this moment, we are developing the National Action Plan to promote Corporate Social Responsibility and responsible business conduct in consultation with the business and trade unions, as well as NGOs representatives. The Plan will be based on the OECD Guidelines as well other relevant documents.
Not at present (a National Action Plan on business and human rights is planned over the coming years)
The government has yet to adopt the Action Plan, but the National Human Rights Council, as an independent institution, has led many initiatives to bring together firms, government departments and trade unions to discuss the issue.
A forum was held in 2013 on the topic of Business and Human Rights.
The government has not yet adopted a National Plan. However, the initiative we referred to above envisages the creation of such an instrument. A baseline study has already been conducted and the subsequent report recommended the formulation and approval of an Action Plan. The relevant steps, including the formulation of an Action Plan, will be taken now that the recently elected government has decided to go ahead with this initiative.
De conformidad con lo señalado en el Programa Nacional de Derechos Humanos 2014-2018, las dependencias y entidades de la Administración Pública Federal emprenderán las acciones que en el ámbito de su competencia sean viables para dar cumplimiento al mismo.
Cabe señalar que el Programa antes indicado establece que se buscará tener mecanismos de colaboración que involucren a los tres poderes y a los órganos autónomos, así como con la sociedad civil.
La Secretaría de Economía, en el contexto del Eje México Próspero del PND y en concordancia con el PRODEINN, tiene la encomienda de articular una política industrial que, transversalmente con otros programas, contribuya a proteger, respetar y remediar los principios rectores sobre las empresas y los derechos humanos.
Actualmente el Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 2013-2018 dispone entre otros puntos, en su Objetivo 4.4. “Impulsar y orientar un crecimiento verde incluyente y facilitador que preserve nuestro patrimonio natural al mismo tiempo que genere riqueza, competitividad y empleo”, y en su Estrategia 4.4.1. establece que se deberá: “Implementar una política integral de desarrollo que vincule la sustentabilidad ambiental con costos y beneficios para la sociedad”. Dentro de esta estrategia encontramos en su segundo punto de sus Líneas de Acción: “Actualizar y alinear la legislación ambiental para lograr una eficaz regulación de las acciones que contribuyen a la preservación y restauración del medio ambiente y los recursos naturales”.
Asimismo, como antes señalado, el Programa Nacional de Derechos Humanos, cuyo cuarto objetivo es “Fortalecer la protección de los derechos humanos”, en donde se incluyó una estrategia para promover el enfoque de derechos humanos y género en el sector privado, así como en las políticas y actividades empresariales.
Por su parte, el conjunto de objetivos sectoriales, estrategias y metas del Programa Sectorial de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales 2013-2018, establece dentro de su Estrategia 1.2 Propiciar una gestión ambiental integral para promover el desarrollo de proyectos de inversión que cumplan con criterios de sustentabilidad; disponiendo en su Línea de Acción 1.2.2 Modernizar el proceso de Evaluación de Impacto y Riesgo Ambiental con criterios de adaptación y mitigación al cambio climático. Asimismo, en su Estrategia 2.1 establece Incrementar la resiliencia ecosistémica y disminuir la vulnerabilidad de la población, infraestructura y servicios al cambio climático; y en su Línea de Acción dispone 2.1.1 Promover la incorporación de criterios de cambio climático en los programas de ordenamiento ecológico y otros instrumentos de planeación territorial.
The Government has decided to develop a National Action Plan, scheduled to be launched early 2015. The NAP will be made public upon approval by the Government.
Yes, in December 2013.
As mentioned above, the government has been working on on the issue and for this purpose it has established an interministerial working group within the National Human Rights Commission. The group started by preparing an inventory of current or planned measures in Portugal that promote respect for human rights in business and that, in practice, come under the theme of business and human rights considering that there is no specific plan in place on the subject.
It should also be mentioned that, in accordance with current international and European standards in this area (as also mentioned above), since the start of this year, the General Directorate for Economic Activities (DGAE) in the Ministry of the Economy has been addressing the subject of business and human rights with a comprehensive approach in the context of corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies.
In this respect, the Ministry of the Economy is developing the first integrated public policy in this area in the form of a Guidance Plan for Corporate Social Responsibility. In order to better explain the various components of CSR, this plan is being structured into five different areas: social, economic, environmental, cultural and business & human rights.
With regard specifically to the subject of business and human rights, the objective of this plan will be to highlight the fundamental elements of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and their link to the most relevant public policies in that area. The aim is to raise companies' awareness to so that they strategically integrate human rights issues into their CSR plans and activities.
Lastly, it should be pointed out that that the Ministry of the Economy has been concerned about ensuring that the various government institutions and other civil society stakeholders, such as the relevant business associations, are consulted on the creation of the Guidance Plan in order to ensure multi-stakeholder involvement.
Yes. The UK Action Plan ‘Good Business - implementing the UN Guiding Principles” was launched in September 2013 by the Foreign Secretary and Business Minister. We are committed to review it in 2015 and report on progress in the Annual FCO Human Rights Report.
A CSR action plan with a specific chapter on Business and Human Rights was adopted by the Government in April 2014.
Creation of a Senegalese Human Rights Committee.
The National Action Plan is in currently being prepared (Senegalese Human Rights Committee – SHRC), new Mining Code, Transparency in the Extractive Industries, Respect for and Protection of Human Rights, formalisation of the Mining Social Programme (MSP), Articles L94, L95, L96, L97, L102, L103, L104, L105, L106, L107, L109, L112, L113, L115, L123, L124 of the 2015 Draft Mining Code Bill.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
Yes, as mentioned in the response to question 1, the National Action Plan is due to be adopted at the end of 2014.
OECD NCP:
Switzerland expects to publish a National Action Plan on business and human rights in 2015. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs has a corporate social responsibility concept: [link] which is currently being updated.
It is at the intial stages
In October the competent ministries instituted an enlarged steering group for the process. In addition to the ministries, the members comprise representatives from business, civil society, trade unions and the German Institute for Human Rights. The German Institute for Human Rights assists the process by preparing the necessary background studies. The Federal Foreign Office as lead agency is planning an inaugural conference with all the important groups of stakeholders on the 6th November. The process is planned for a period of 2 years and is to be based in particular on a broad dialogue between business, civil society and politics. At the end of the process the document will be adopted by the Cabinet and stand as a government document.
The future NAP will endorse all the international principles in the area of B&HR and it will be adopted after public consultations with all stakeholders
Yes (cf. above).
Stakeholders (business, civil society, unions) have been consulted in the preliminary phases and further consultations are foreseen down the road.
The Action Plan on Business & Human Rights to implement will be referred to the UN Guiding Principles on business & human rights and will count on the engagement of all stakeholders.
La construcción de los Lineamientos previamente mencionados, que servirán de base para el Plan de Acción, se construyeron con la referencia a los estándares internacionales en Derechos Humanos y en particular se tuvo como principal referente los PRNU, las líneas directrices de la OCDE para empresas multinacionales y los Principios del Pacto Global.
Los contenidos de los lineamientos fueron consultados en varios procesos:
- En cuanto a la sociedad civil, se realizaron consultas en todos los departamentos del país, a cerca de 19 personas en el marco del proceso de la conferencia nacional de derechos humanos, en dónde uno de los temas sobre los cuales se dialogaba con las comunidades era el tema de Derechos Humanos y Empresas. Se realizaron 6 procesos regionales de formación y diálogo multiactor en los cuales había espacio para recibir retroalimentación de la propuesta de lineamientos. Se realizaron en Huila, Bolívar, Casanare, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia y Norte de Santander.
Por otra parte, se realizaron procesos de consulta con distintas ONG’s conocedoras del tema para recibir insumos con cara a la creación de los lineamientos. Algunas de las líneas de acción planteadas responden recomendaciones de estas consultas.
- En cuanto al sector privado, se realizaron procesos diálogo y retroalimentación en múltiples escenarios: El primero fueron los procesos regionales de diálogo y formación multiactor señalados anteriormente.
En segundo lugar se realizaron múltiples sesiones de diálogo con iniciativas multiactor consolidadas en el país: se trata de Guías Colombia y el Comité Minero Energético en Seguridad y DDHH.
Como tercera vía de consulta y diálogo con empresarios se realizaron dos eventos de consulta de las bases de los lineamientos: en el primero discutió los contenidos con las cámaras de comercio de todo el país, y en otro espacio se dialogó con empresas que no tenían conocimiento del marco de naciones unidas.
- Finalmente, el proceso de creación tuvo múltiples escenarios de discusión técnica con las diferentes entidades del estado en el marco del grupo de trabajo creado para tal fin.
The National Action Plan makes reference to the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises from May 2011, UN Guiding Principles from June 2011 and the renewed EU Strategy 2011–14 for Corporate Social Responsibility. Furthermore it also makes reference to a complete list of the International Human Rights Treaties that Denmark has signed and ratified see: [link].
The work of the Danish Government on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is to a large extent based on the recommendations from the Danish Council for Corporate Responsibility (The Danish Council for CSR). The Council supports and advises the Danish Government in matters on Danish companies’ social responsibility and represents Danish business and financial organisations, NGOs, local municipalities and trade unions. The council has made recommendations on all three pillars of the Protect, Respect and Remedy framework as to what they believe the Danish Government should do in order to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The council was established in 2008 as part of the first Danish national action plan for CSR. The purpose of the council is to aid, support, and inform the Danish government in matters on Danish companies’ social responsibility. The council contributes to, and supports the advancement of sustainability in the Danish private and public sector. The council consists of 17 members (vice- and president, 13 members, 2 specialists), who represent Danish trade organizations, NGOs, civil society, local municipalities, and trade unions.
El proyecto de PNEDH hace referencia a las normas internacionales de derechos humanos y, en concreto, a la Declaración Universal de los Derechos Humanos, el Pacto Internacional de Derechos Civiles y Políticos y el Pacto Internacional de Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales (Carta Internacional de Derechos Humanos), a los principios relativos a los derechos fundamentales establecidos en la Declaración relativa a los Principios y Derechos Fundamentales del Trabajo de la OIT, la Declaración Tripartita de Principios sobre las Empresas Multinacionales y la Política Social (OIT), las Líneas Directrices de la OCDE para las Empresas Multinacionales, los Principios de Gobierno Corporativo de la OCDE y los principios del Pacto Global de Naciones Unidas y otros instrumentos establecidos en el marco de las Naciones Unidas.
El PNEDH fue elaborado a través de un proceso transparente y abierto a todos los actores implicados (empresas, sociedad civil y administración pública). En este sentido, se han celebrado decenas de reuniones intersectoriales dirigidas a acercar posiciones y generar consenso, a las que han asistido un centenar de representantes provenientes del gobierno, sociedad civil y empresas.
The plan makes reference to international human rights standards and it was developed in consultation with affected stakeholders. Stakeholders were heard formally twice during the preparation of the plan, in January 2014 and in May 2014. In addition to open hearings organised at those times stakeholders were also invited to send written comments on both occasions.
The Action Plan on Business and Human Rights will, of course, refer to international standards on human rights issues; France has signed up to these instruments.
It will be subject to in-depth consultations with all stakeholders, who have already been heard. In particular, it will be subject to the work undertaken by the multi-stakeholder Corporate Social Responsibility Platform set up by the Prime Minister in June 2013, which has already commenced discussions on these subjects and will, therefore, be called upon to give its views about the Action Plan in terms of both corporate social responsibility and human rights.
The foundation laid in July, 2014 jointly by CHRAJ/ Shift and SOMO promises a national action plan based on the relevant international human rights instruments for Business and Human Rights as well as the VPs.
Within the framework of private sector capacity-building, in order to achieve a satisfactory rate of growth, the government envisages measures that incorporate human rights standards and take into account the United Nations Global Compact, with participation by means of structural dialogue with all stakeholders in and around business.
To achieve this objective, expertise is needed at all levels of its implementation.
When considering the adoption of the National Action Plan, the Hungarian Government will look at all relevant factors, including the international human rights standards that make part of the Hungarian legal system, as well as the necessary public consultation.
In the area of export credits, the Plan stipulates that provisions in the previously cited Common Approaches OECD Council Recommendation are to be applied for publically supported export credits and environmental and social due diligence. Export credit agencies were involved in the process.
The Common Approaches OECD Council recommendation is not legally binding. However, in the event of violations of Italian laws, there is scope for foreign citizen/business to appeal to an Italian civil judge. The criteria determining the jurisdiction is set forth in the International Private Law Act (L. 218/1995).
The Plan is being developed in consultation with the business and trade unions, as well as NGOs representatives. The Plan will be based on the OECD Guidelines as well other relevant documents.
The preparatory work, which is ongoing under the auspices of the National Human Rights Council, wholly refers to the international standards and is being undertaken in consultation with affected stakeholders.
Yes, the plan does refer to international standards. It will be based on the United Nations Guiding Principles. The study was conducted in consultation with all affected stakeholders. For example, representatives of communities affected by various projects/ventures/businesses were invited to the draft report validation seminar. As mentioned previously, the government plans to create a forum in which all stakeholders will be represented and have the opportunity to discuss these matters with each other.
The National Action Plan is currently being developed.
Our primary goal with the Action Plan is increased policy coherence. To this end, this will be the entire Government’s Action Plan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which coordinates the process, has established an interdepartmental group for all relevant Ministries for informal and formal consultations. We view the National Action Plan as a start towards more concerted government efforts. Furthermore we aim to give clear expectations to business.
Several series of consultations, both multi-stakeholder and separate meetings with business, civil society and indigenous peoples’ representatives, have proven invaluable. Hopefully, the thorough and inclusive process will support effective implementation once proposed policy measures shall be turned into practice. We will continue engaging with all key stakeholders on the implementation.
Yes, the two above-mentioned draft Action Plans make reference to the international conventions ratified by Niger and have been developed with the full involvement of all stakeholders concerned.
It extensively references the UNGPs, as well as the OECD Guidelines for MNEs. In developing the plan, all stakeholders were consulted extensively, in the form of selected individual interviews as well as group consultations.
The UK Action Plan was developed with affected stakeholders and across government. This also includes the negotiation and agreement of the OECD 2012 Common Approaches, including a requirement for Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) to take into account not only potential environmental impacts but also social impacts, which is defined to include “relevant adverse project-related human rights impacts. “The OECD 2012 Common Approaches” also require ECAs to “consider any statements or reports made publicly available by their National Contact Points (NCPs) at the conclusion of a specific instance procedure under the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.” UKEF, which is the UK’s Export Credit Agency applies the OECD 2012 Common Approaches
Yes, it makes reference to international human rights treaties, UDHR, ILO conventions etc. / Yes, it was developed in consultation with affected stakeholders.
Yes, the National Action Plan developed by the SHRC is currently being prepared. It refers to the Principles of the UN, the African Union, ECOWAS and the WAEMU, and consultation workshops have been organised by SHRC.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
The National Action Plan is based on the UN's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Representatives of civil society, companies and academia were consulted during its preparation.
OECD NCP:
Yes for both questions.
In 2013, the Ministry of Justice developed the Atlas of Access to Justice, a portal via which any citizen can find the correct body (judicial or otherwise) for filing a complaint. It has also prepared a guide entitled the “ABC of Rights”, which explains the meaning of legal terms in a simple and accessible manner.
Even one Bulgarian international enterprise is not a defendant among any cases concerning human rights abuses worldwide. Our expertise is focussed on domestic cases of human rights abuses and until now the victims use the common measures of remedy as judicial mechanisms, non – judicial mechanisms in case of intolerance as well as international committees established by the international human rights treaties such as Committee against All Form of Discrimination Against Women, Human Rights Committee, etc.
Individuals, groups or organisations who wish to file a complaint against companies concerning human rights violations committed in Belgium can address such complaints to the local courts. Recent legislation has made “class action” suits more easily accessible in a number of cases.
Belgium is a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights and as a member of the EU is dedicated to the values entrenched in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Belgium recognizes the decisions in this regard, whether they emanate from the EU Court of Justice in Luxemburg or the European Court of Human Rights in Strasburg.
Belgium has also ratified the Rome Statute and recognizes the International Criminal Court.
Belgium is also a signatory to the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention, and has made the necessary legislative amendments to its Criminal Code to ensure extraterritorial competences for the Belgian judiciary on corruption by Belgian companies outside of the country, in accordance with its OECD commitments.
Finally, in 1993 Belgium has adopted legislation on extraterritoriality with regard to the most serious violations of international humanitarian law. This law also enables individuals to file complaints against companies when serious crimes are committed outside of Belgium, provided certain criteria are met.
Respecto a mecanismos de reparación ya existentes dentro del Estado, podemos informar lo señalado en el cuestionario enviado al Grupo de Trabajo de Naciones Unidas sobre derechos humanos y empresas en junio del presente año (respuesta a pregunta N° 29 de dicho cuestionario):
En el marco de la asistencia jurídica, la Corporación de Asistencia Judicial de la Región Metropolitana (CAJ), es una entidad de derecho público cuya misión se traduce en dos aspectos esenciales: a) Proporcionar asistencia judicial y/o jurídica gratuita a personas de escasos recursos y b) Proporcionar los medios para efectuar la práctica necesaria para el ejercicio de la profesión a los postulantes a obtener el título de abogado.
Dependiente de la Dirección de Oficinas Especializadas, se encuentra la Oficina de Derechos Humanos, a quien le corresponde asumir el patrocinio en causas de extranjería y migración, donde se entablan acciones en contra del Ministerio del Interior, acciones contra agentes del Estado por crímenes de lesa humanidad, acciones de protección o amparo en contra de funcionarios policiales por violencia innecesaria, acciones en contra del Fisco por actos cometidos por agentes del Estado, persiguiendo su responsabilidad patrimonial.
De manera excepcional se ejercen también acciones en contra de cualquier privado, sea persona natural o persona jurídica de derecho privado que atente en contra de otro individuo y que afecte sus derechos humanos, recurriendo por la vía de acciones de protección. En este contexto, si bien la CAJ presta asistencia jurídica a víctimas de vulneraciones a sus derechos humanos, la mayoría de las acciones son contra el Estado y excepcionalmente en contra de empresas (personas jurídicas) privadas.
Por otra parte, cabe señalar que en materia penal el Ministerio Público adopta medidas de asistencia y protección respecto de todas las víctimas de algún delito cuya persecución le corresponda. De esta manera, las víctimas de abusos de derechos humanos serán asistidas en la medida que dichos abusos sean constitutivos de algún delito de su competencia.
Para dar cumplimiento a la señalada función constitucional y legal de brindar atención y protección a las víctimas y testigos, el Ministerio Público a través de la División de Atención a Víctimas y Testigos, ha implementado en todo el país el Modelo Orientación, Protección y Apoyo(OPA), para Víctimas y Testigos, que tiene por objeto incentivar la participación de estos sujetos procesales en el proceso penal, mediante la entrega de servicios de Orientación que comprende información sobre el proceso penal y sus etapas, derechos y obligaciones, etc.; Protección considerando la intimidación o amenaza de que es objeto acorde al resultado de su evaluación de intimidación o riesgo, y; Apoyo para facilitar la participación en las diligencias de investigación y en el juicio oral. Estos servicios se otorgan conforme a la etapa del proceso penal en la que se encuentra la víctima o testigo.
Dentro de esta estructura se han desarrollado modelos o líneas especializadas de intervención para dar respuesta a requerimientos específicos de determinadas categorías de usuarios, siempre contemplando las prestaciones que se entregan dentro de los servicios de Orientación, Protección y Apoyo, pero considerando las características y requerimientos específicos de estas víctimas y/o testigos. De esta manera, se ha implementado el modelo Especializado de Intervención Inmediata para Víctimas de Violencia Intrafamiliar, Intervención Especializada para Menores de Edad Víctimas de Delitos Sexuales y Delitos en contexto de Violencia Intrafamiliar y el Modelo de Protección a Víctimas y Testigos en Casos Complejos.
Dentro de los servicios indicados se otorgan una serie de prestaciones económicas y de otra naturaleza. Así, en el servicio de orientación puede ser necesario el pago de traslados para que concurra la víctima a la fiscalía o requerir la contratación de un intérprete de señas si la víctima no puede comunicarse a través del lenguaje hablado, etc. Respecto del servicio de protección, las medidas van desde rondas policiales, acompañamiento policial permanente, instalación de alarmas, reubicación, pago de traslados, asistencia psicológica y/o psiquiátrica, solicitud de medidas de protección en audiencia, etc. y en lo relativo al apoyo, se pueden otorgar medidas tales como pago de traslados para asistir a una diligencia o al juicio oral, alimentación, alojamiento, etc. Cuando las medidas involucran gastos, el Ministerio Público dispone para ello dentro de su presupuesto anual del fondo de aportes económicos para víctimas y testigos, destinado a satisfacer los requerimientos de las víctimas y testigos de toda clase de delito.
Conforme a lo anterior, las víctimas de abusos de derechos humanos son asistidas por el Ministerio Público en sus necesidades aplicando el modelo OPA a través del cual se le entregarán las prestaciones correspondientes dentro del servicio que requiera, esto es, orientación, protección y apoyo, todo ello como ya se señalara, si dichos abusos constituyen algún delito.
Por último, cabe hacer una referencia más específica al modelo de Protección a Víctimas y Testigos en “casos complejos”, dado que los abusos a los derechos humanos de las víctimas pueden provenir de empresas con capacidad de generar condiciones de intimidación difíciles de neutralizar con la aplicación de medidas ordinarias de protección. Este modelo tiene por objeto otorgar protección especializada, inmediata y eficaz a quienes hayan declarado o deban declararen el contexto de un proceso penal, en calidad de víctima, testigo, o perito y su familia, por encontrarse en una situación de riesgo excepcional, requiriendo la elaboración e implementación de una estrategia de protección. Para ello, se constituye como órgano asesor del Fiscal Regional un Consejo Regional de Protección que integran personal del Ministerio Público y de la Policía de Investigaciones y Carabineros de Chile.
En esta materia no se han adoptado medidas específicas, sin embargo en el documento de Lineamientos que se ha mencionado repetidamente en este cuestionario se consignaron algunas medidas para adelantar en este frente. Se espera que en el desarrollo del Plan Nacional de Acción queden recogidas dichas medidas recomendadas.
Extraterritorial legislation
To further engage in the issue of extraterritorial legislation, the Danish Government has planned the following initiative:
According to Part 66 a in the Danish Administration of Justice Act, a counsel for the victim of certain violations of the Criminal Code must be appointed after request from the victim. In certain cases a counsel must be appointed unless the victim requests that a counsel not be appointed. The expenses to the counsel are paid for by the state unless covered by the victim’s private insurance.
Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social:
En materia laboral El Salvador ha dado efectivo cumplimiento al Convenio 144 de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) sobre la Consulta Tripartita, para lo cual diversas instituciones cuentan con esta representación: Consejo Superior del Trabajo, Consejo Nacional del Salario Mínimo, Instituto Salvadoreño del Seguro Social, Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional, Instituto Salvadoreño del Fomento Cooperativo, entre otros.
Desde el Ministerio de Trabajo y a través de la Dirección General de Inspección cualquier proceso de violación de los derechos laborales lleva un procedimiento jurídico y sancionatorio a fin de que las empresas que actúan de forma contraria al Código de Trabajo además de retribuir el incumplimiento a las personas trabajadoras además de que las empresas son multadas, estos pueden ser,por ejemplo, despidos injustificados, a los cuales las empresas deben retribuir y cumplir lo que la ley les dicta.
Defensoría del Consumidor:
En materia de derechos de las personas consumidoras: por medio del Centro de solución de Controversias de la Defensoría del Consumidor, se han implementado estructuras de medios alternos de solución de controversias para facilitar un acceso gratuito, efectivo y más rápido que la vía judicial, para la solución de conflictos en materia de consumo.
Adicionalmente, para el cumplimiento de su potestad sancionadora, la Defensoría del Consumidor cuenta con un Tribunal Sancionador, instancia que tiene dentro de sus atribuciones: Instruir los procedimientos sancionatorios en materia de protección del consumidor; imponer las sanciones o resolver lo que corresponda; ordenar al infractor, en los casos de afectación a intereses individuales, colectivos o difusos, la reposición de la situación alterada por la infracción, a su estado original. Entre las medidas para lograr la reposición de la situación alterada podrán ordenarse, la sustitución del bien; la devolución de lo cobrado indebidamente o la rebaja del precio; y conocer de los demás asuntos que tiene atribuidos por ley.
Access to both, judicial and non-judicial remedies is guaranteed by national legal and institutional framework (Ombudsperson, NHRI etc.) without discrimination on any ground.
El Real Decreto-Ley 3/2013, de 22 de febrero, que modifica el sistema de asistencia jurídica gratuita, reconoce el derecho de asistencia jurídica gratuita, entre otros, en los siguientes casos:
“Artículo 2. Ámbito personal de aplicación.
En los términos y con el alcance previstos en esta ley y en los tratados y convenios internacionales sobre la materia en los que España sea parte, tendrán derecho a la asistencia jurídica gratuita: ….
d) En el orden jurisdiccional social, además, los trabajadores y beneficiarios del sistema de Seguridad Social, tanto para la defensa en juicio como para el ejercicio de acciones para la efectividad de los derechos laborales en los procedimientos concursales …
g) Con independencia de la existencia de recursos para litigar, se reconoce el derecho de asistencia jurídica gratuita, que se les prestará de inmediato, a las víctimas de violencia de género, de terrorismo y de trata de seres humanos en aquellos procesos que tengan vinculación, deriven o sean consecuencia de su condición de víctimas, así como a los menores de edad y las personas con discapacidad psíquica cuando sean víctimas de situaciones de abuso o maltrato.
El proyecto de ley orgánica del Estatuto de la Víctima del delito, catálogo general de los derechos procesales y extraprocesales de las víctimas del delito, regula los servicios de justicia restaurativa orientados a la reparación material y moral de la víctima, incluida la mediación.
El PNEDH, en elaboración, prevé el desarrollo de los siguientes mecanismos:
- MEDIDA 31: “Se elaborará (…) un informe en consonancia con las Medidas 2, 5 y 6 sobre las posibilidades de desarrollar mecanismos judiciales de reparación de abusos cometidos, en cumplimiento con los Principios Rectores. Se estudiarán los mecanismos jurídicos que prevean la responsabilidad civil contra una empresa por causar un daño o perjuicio sobre los derechos humanos, incluidos los actos derivados de no actuar con la debida diligencia para prevenir tales daños causados por su propia conducta o por sus empleados o agentes, o por las empresas pertenecientes al grupo. Se llevará a cabo una revisión de la normativa vigente para identificar y eliminar obstáculos, legales o prácticos a las reclamaciones de responsabilidad de las empresas por vulneración de derechos humanos o daños al medio ambiente en sus actividades y se evaluará la imparcialidad, integridad y capacidad de hacer respetar las debidas garantías procesales de los mecanismos existentes”.
- MEDIDA 32: “El Gobierno desarrollará los instrumentos necesarios para que los ciudadanos en general, los consumidores y las partes interesadas, conozcan y comprendan los mecanismos de reclamación estatales y alternativos, y tengan acceso a los mismos, eliminando cualquier obstáculo de acceso a la información cultural, social, físico o financiero. Para ello, se realizará un Mapa de los recursos existentes en materia de asistencia jurídica”.
Response to this question is predicated on the ongoing development of the U.S. National Action Plan.
National Action plan for corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been created by Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications together with several partners, both from public and private sector. Action Plan can be found from here (unfortunately in Estonian): [link]
The main focus of the action plan is on awareness raising activities. As part of this, awareness of business and human rights is tackled. Various expert group meetings took place during the process, including representatives from corporate sector, different ministries, leading universities and non-profit sector. Responsible Business Forum in Estonia (website: [link] )was involved into the policy creation process as one of the leading expert partners. The strategy aims to increase the awareness among businesses, investors, consumers, public sector, media and other stakeholders (public communication, sharing good case practices, involving into study programs, training companies and other stakeholders); and to encourage responsible behaviour among companies through developing national recognition and certification system.
Based on the Finnish UNGP Action Plan the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, together with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs have commissioned a study to explain and evaluate the national legal framework in relation to the legal responsibilities of enterprises for human rights violations in transboundary situations. The study is due to be published in February 2015. The study is to be used as the basis for providing better information to enterprises and NGOs on the legal obligations and remedies available as well as to consider whether further legislative measures are needed.
Legal aid
Legal for EU and non-EU foreigners and for French people is subject to means-testing, as provided for by law. In addition, non-EU foreigners must meet the condition of habitual and regular residence.
However, an exception to the residence condition for obtaining legal aid is foreseen in any case that appears worthy of special attention in view of the subject of the dispute or the probable costs of the proceedings.
Moreover, an exception to the means-testing condition imposed on legal aid applicants may exceptionally be granted to people who do not meet the conditions of ordinary law when their case appears worthy of special attention in view of the subject of the dispute or the probable costs of the proceedings or, in cross-border disputes, if they can provide proof of not being able to meet the expenses owing to the difference in the cost of living between France and the Member State where they have their domicile or their habitual residence.
Thus, more precisely, the granting of legal aid to victims of human rights violations committed by companies or their subsidiaries located outside the State in which they were incorporated or have their registered office is not automatic. Nevertheless, legal aid offices have broad discretionary powers to grant legal aid in view of the victims’ situation.
Civil action for compensation for damage caused by an offence
A civil action for compensation for damage caused by an offence can be brought by anyone who has personally suffered injury directly caused by the offence. Any natural or legal person governed by public or private law who claims to have been injured by an offence may, by filing a complaint, sue for damages, not only before the criminal courts called upon to rule on the offence, but also before the investigating judge.
The victim may sue for damages:
With the framework of a judicial investigation, a victim who has been joined as a civil party has a certain number of rights:
A victim who has been joined as a civil party may, furthermore, be assisted by a lawyer and, where applicable, be entitled to legal aid.
When a victim has not been joined as a civil party, he or she can still take action against the perpetrator of the offence, before the civil courts, to seek compensation for the damage that he or she has suffered. More information (in French) is available here: [link]
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is seriously promoted by the Judiciary. A court connected ADR is implemented in the courts in Ghana. The commercial courts also allow arbitration before parties resort to adversarial litigation. In addition, CHRAJ receives approximately 12,000 complaints annually and resolves about 80% of these cases. Non-custodial sentencing is also being considered in conformity with international human rights standards. These measures are adopted based on recommendations by the stakeholders including academe and media.
Access to remedies is free in Guinea. Priority is attached to two main types of remedy in this respect: administrative remedy and judicial remedy.
Other forms of conflict settlement are also envisaged, including arbitration, concerted dialogue and participatory dialogue.
Generally, several strategies are implemented to facilitate access to conflict settlement institutions and judicial institutions, including inspection.
The measures for removing barriers to remedies include (without being limited to):
In May 2013, [the] Consitutional Court issued its Decision number 35 year 2012 which is an important moment for the struggle for recognition of the existence of indigenous peoples and their rights. The Court agreed to ammend the Forestry Law which was in conflict with the Constitution where Customary forests belong to the indigenous people, not to the state anymore. The court's decision has been rightfully described as a historic ruling not least because of the huge areas involved: the area treated as hutan negara up to now covers around 70% of Indonesia's total land area. Indonesia's vast forest zone (kawasan hutan), controlled by the immensely powerful forestry department has been treated almost without exception as kasawan hutan negara (state forest areas) although this has been done on shaky legal ground. In turn, the forestry department has leased tens of millions of hectares out for public and private sector exploitation, handed it over to be cleared for non-forest use.
There is an easy way to file a law suit concerning language or formal barriers by the employee personally to labour court. The fees for this action are minimal. The proceedings are far from being formal.
There are laws (such as quality of opportunities law) that grant injury sums by court discretion without the need of proof of size of injury. Burden of proof is transmitted to employer in some cases.
[NGOs] and unions are very active in advocacy and representing fragile sectors at courts.
Article 92 of the Latvian Constitution provides that everyone can defend their rights and legal interests in a fair court. In the case of violations of human rights everyone has the right to an adequate compensation and the right to assistance of lawyer. All victims are guaranteed the opportunity to defend their rights in criminal, civil, administrative proceedings, as well as, if necessary, through the Constitutional Court.
In order to meet the requirements of the individual's right to a fair trial, as well as the victim's rights to remedy (access to justice, adequate litigation expenses, necessary legal assistance in court proceedings in a fair and timely manner), procedural rules are developed and reviewed regularly. These rights are enshrined in a number of laws, including the Law on Judicial Power, the Civil Law, the Criminal Law, the Labour Law, the National Legal Aid Law, the Law on State compensation to victims. These Laws are applicable both to individuals and legal entitities; obligations enshrined in them are legally binding also to companies and enterprises.
As a relatively recently introduced mechanism also the mediation process (voluntary cooperative process in which the parties shall endeavor to reach a mutually acceptable agreement to resolve their dispute through a mediator) should be noted. Mediation can be used for the resolution of disputes out of court process, as well as in the proceedings.
In cases when the State enters into transactions with merchants (such as public procurement, European Union funds allocation) additional preconditions apply: the compliance with the duties prescribed by law is examined and the possible infridgements are analysed (illegal employment, payment of taxes etc.). The State pays a particular attention to cases where there is a need to find a balance between the interests of business entities and rights of individuals, for example, in cases related to preservation of the environment, public consultation on the land use planning in order to ensure public engagement in decision making and guarantee access to information.
If a person meets the State Legal Aid Act criteria, the State shall ensure legal consultations and the drawing up of procedural documents for the protection of the infringed or contested rights of a person or his or her interests protected by the law in a civil legal dispute and in order to prepare an application or a claim to the court or a settlement document, if a person is involved in a dispute of legal nature, in which legal proceedings are possible.
Latvia is an adherent to the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. The Latvian National Contact Point (NCP), established in 2004, includes representatives of Ministries and other governmental institutions, Employers’ Confederation of Latvia and Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia. The Secretariat of the NCP’s Consultative Board is based within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The OECD Guidelines for multinational enterprises (OECD Guidelines) are being promoted by informative measures. We regularly arrange different meetings and seminars to promote the OECD Guidelines. Latvian NCP has dedicated webpages within the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which contains information on the OECD Guidelines, the NCP itself, and the texts of the Guidelines in Latvian and English are provided. The Latvian authorities are supportive of responsible business conduct and devote effort to increasing the level of knowledge among entrepreneurs through seminars and conferences promoting the benefits of responsible business conduct and best practices. Just an example, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Latvian Investment and Development Agency organize regular meetings with Latvian entrepreneurs ("The ABC of Exporting") aimed at the promotion of export and development of economic relations. Printed summary leaflets on the OECD Guidelines are distributed.
At this moment, we are developing the National Action Plan to promote Corporate Social Responsibility and responsible business conduct in consultation with the business and trade unions, as well as NGOs representatives. The Plan will be based on the OECD Guidelines as well other relevant documents.
So far, the NCP has not dealt with any specific instances.
Consumer Rights Protection Centre
On March 17, 1998 the Cabinet of Ministers decided to establish Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC) on the basis of already existing Trade and Service Control Centre (Order March 17, 1998, No. 128). The main aim of the CRPC is to protect consumer rights by supervising trade of goods and supply of services, providing consumers with the necessary information and helping them to resolve conflicts, which have emerged. Latvia’s accession to the European Union was a major
development, which affected legislation and politics in many areas, inter alia, consumer rights protection; market surveillance; product and service safety; etc. CRPC is working under the supervision of the Ministry of Economics, which enforces the protection of consumer rights and interests, and the operation of the CRPC is regulated by the Consumer Rights Protection Law. According to the Statutes of CRPC, the main functions of the Center are:
1) To handle complaints on violations of consumer rights;
2) To provide legal advice for consumers;
3) To monitor the integration of consumer rights in draft contracts and agreements between consumer and producer or seller and service provider;
4) To supervise the correct detection of the weight and measure of food and non-food products and to supervise the correct calculation of the price;
5) To monitor and control the trade of non-food products (excluding medical products, veterinary medicines, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, veterinary pharmaceuticals, animal care products, household chemicals), etc.
6) To supervise the compliance of measuring equipment with the requirements of laws and regulations, to supervise metrological control of pre-packed goods.
In order to protect the interests of victims, Latvia has established a legal regulation under which the person is entitled to receive a legal aid provided by the State. The victim may assert their rights in criminal procedure, civil procedure, as well as in non-judicial procedures.
Persons in civil procedure have the right to request legal aid if:
1) they have obtained the status of a low-income or needy person in accordance with the procedures specified in the regulatory enactments regarding the recognition of a natural person as a low-income or needy person; or
2) they find themselves suddenly in a situation and material condition which prevents them from ensuring the protection of their rights (due to a natural disaster or force majeure or other circumstances beyond their control), or are on full support of the State or local government. The State shall ensure the following legal aid during legal proceedings in a civil matter legal consultations, the drawing up of procedural documents and representation in court.
The State shall ensure the following in criminal matters: the drawing up of procedural documents in criminal proceedings and defence or representation in a criminal proceeding.
According to article 104 of the Criminal Procedure Law, the State shall provide an attorney to the minor victim, while to the person who is at the legal age and poor or with low-income level, in criminal proceedings the State provides a public defender attorney. Article 108 of the Criminal Law provides that, if the minor victim or his representative has not entered in an agreement with a lawyer for legal assistance, in an offense that is related to violence caused by the person from whom the victim is financially or otherwise dependent, or in an offense against morality or sexual privacy, then a person directing the proceedings shall decide on inviting of an attorney as a legal aid provider.
Occupational Health & Safety – OHSA [Occupational Health & Safety Authority] Malta publish on its website ‘Good Practices’ for companies to take note of. For instance: Machinery Checklists; Risk assessments (various)
Discrimination & Women’s Rights – NCPE [National Commission for the Promotion of Equality] introduced the Equality Mark, which is a certification awarded to companies / organisations that make gender equality one of their values and whose management is based on the recognition and promotion of the potential of all employees irrespective of their gender and caring responsibilities.
The Moroccan Labour Code stipulates that employees have the right to submit complaints to the Labour Inspectorate and, after the issue has been addressed with the employer, they have the right of appeal to the Provincial and National Commissions and, as a last resort, to the Courts of Justice.
A legislative reform process is currently underway, including the amendment of several laws to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire judicial system.
There have been improvements to state legal aid and representation services through the Legal Aid and Representation Institute.
La Ley General de Víctimas, publicada en el Diario Oficial de la Federación el 9 de enero de 2013, establece lo siguiente en relación con la asistencia en general a violaciones de derechos humanos:
Artículo 1. La presente Ley general es de orden público, de interés social y observancia en todo el territorio nacional, en términos de lo dispuesto por los artículos 1o., párrafo tercero, 17, y 20 de la Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Tratados Internacionales celebrados y ratificados por el Estado Mexicano, y otras leyes en materia de víctimas. En las normas que protejan a víctimas en las leyes expedidas por el Congreso, se aplicará siempre la que más favorezca a la persona. La presente Ley obliga, en sus respectivas competencias, a las autoridades de todos los ámbitos de gobierno, y de sus poderes constitucionales, así como a cualquiera de sus oficinas, dependencias, organismos o instituciones públicas o privadas que velen por la protección de las víctimas, a proporcionar ayuda, asistencia o reparación integral. La reparación integral comprende las medidas de restitución, rehabilitación, compensación, satisfacción y garantías de no repetición, en sus dimensiones individual, colectiva, material, moral y simbólica. Cada una de estas medidas será implementada a favor de la víctima teniendo en cuenta la gravedad y magnitud del hecho victimizante cometido o la gravedad y magnitud de la violación de sus derechos, así como las circunstancias y características del hecho victimizante.
Artículo 6. Para los efectos de esta Ley, se entenderá por:
XIX. Violación de derechos humanos: Todo acto u omisión que afecte los derechos humanos reconocidos en la Constitución o en los Tratados Internacionales, cuando el agente sea servidor público en el ejercicio de sus funciones o atribuciones o un particular que ejerza funciones públicas. También se considera violación de derechos humanos cuando la acción u omisión referida sea realizada por un particular instigado o autorizado, explícita o implícitamente por un servidor público, o cuando actúe con aquiescencia o colaboración de un servidor público.
De conformidad con lo anterior en ciertas circunstancias, se prevé la reparación del daño cuando la violación a derechos humanos haya sido cometida por un particular que ejerza funciones públicas.
Please refer to our upcoming National Action Plan.
The government has commissioned an independent study on the question whether the duty of care for corporations is adequately anchored in Dutch law. Results expected in spring of 2015, possible new measures to follow.
The UK is subject to international human rights obligations under customary international law and as a result of the international legal instruments we have signed and ratified.
The UK has specific laws protecting human rights and governing business activities. As with all UK law, these are set out in legislation or sometimes protected by common law rules which, taken together, ensure certain rights and liberties. Like all States we need to continually re-assess whether the current mix is right, what gaps there might be and what improvements we can make. The UK has ratified a series of international treaties and agreements. It has also created or endorsed a number of instruments that motivate different aspects of good corporate behaviour and respect for human rights, including: the UK Bribery Act, the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, Revision of Section 172 of the Company Act 2006. The Government also exercises controls on the export of ‘strategic’ goods and technology through the export licensing system.
There are mechanisms for the provision of legal aid, facilitating access to the court system in England and Wales through the Legal Aid Agency; Scotland, through the Scottish Legal Aid board; and Northern Ireland, through the Scottish Legal Aid Board.
In order to access legal aid for civil matters, including alleged business-related human rights abuses, a person’s income and capital must be within specified limits (means test) and their case needs to have a reasonable chance of winning (merits test).
In England and Wales, the matter must also be within the scope of the legal aid scheme, as set out in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO). Legal aid can be granted in some circumstances where a case is excluded from the scope of the civil legal aid scheme, but where failure to provide legal aid would breach the applicant’s rights under the European Convention on Human Rights or EU law (or in the light of the risk of a breach, it is appropriate to provide legal aid).
None.
International Chamber of Commerce, Paris.
[Survey suggested the following remedies: Barriers addressed may include high cost of bringing claims, and lack of lawyers and other legal resources, such as legal aid from NGOs or legal barriers such as doctrines that do not allow victims to bring human rights claims against companies.]
Yes.
[Survey suggested the folliowing remedies: Steps taken may include measures to provide legal aid, to allow group claims or class actions, and to increase resources for prosecutors.]
Yes.
Amicable settlement.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs & OECD NCP:
Response given to the UN Working Group survey question 29:
Civil proceedings:
The Swiss Civil Procedure Code (CPC) provides in art. 117 ff. that any person (regardless of its domicile or its nationality) is entitled to legal aid if: (a) he or she does not have sufficient financial resources; and (b) his or her case does not seem devoid of any chances of success.
Legal aid comprises: (a) an exemption from the obligation to pay advances and provide security; (b) an exemption from court costs; (c) the appointment by the court of a legal agent under the legal aid system if this is necessary to protect the rights of the party concerned, and in particular if the opposing party is represented by a legal agent; the legal agent under the legal aid system may be appointed prior to the court hearing in order to prepare the proceedings. Legal aid may be granted for all or part of the case. No court costs are charged for proceedings relating to the granting of legal aid, except in cases of bad faith or vexatious conduct.
Switzerland is also party to various international instruments, such as the Convention of 25 October 1980 on International Access to Justice, which provides that nationals of any Contracting State and persons habitually resident in any Contracting State are entitled to legal aid for court proceedings in civil and commercial matters in each Contracting State on the same conditions as if they themselves were nationals of and habitually resident in that State. This applies also to legal advice, provided the person seeking advice is present in the State where advice is sought. The Convention of 18 March 1970 on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters allows mutual judicial co-operation in order to to obtain evidence in another State, or to perform some other judicial act abroad.
Criminal proceedings:
Beside several other procedural rights (art. 117 CrimPC), victims have at certain conditions the right to constitute private claimant in a criminal proceeding (art. 118 CrimPC). This status grants legal aid to the victim as private claimant (art. 136 CrimPC). In addition, according to the Federal Law on the assistance to victims of criminal offences, victims can get assistance at counselling services all over the country in medical, psychological, social, financial or legal matters (art. 2ss). Immediate help is free. Assistance on a longer period of time is also free if the victim's personal situation calls for it. Victims can also get compensation from the state for the financial and moral damage they have suffered, if they cannot obtain such compensation of the offender (for instance because the offender is unknown or without financial means). Compensation for material damage is limited to 100'000 francs and takes into account the damage suffered and the financial means of the victim. Victims get no compensation from the state for material damage if their financial means exceed a limit set by law. Compensation for moral tort is granted regardless of financial means: requirements are that the victim has to deal with severe personal suffering (art. 19ss). Finally, victims can obtain assistance according to this law whether the offence has been perpetrated in Switzerland or abroad (art. 3 al. 2 and 17).
The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights is establishing Out-of-Court Dispute Settlement Centres (CRELs) throughout the country. They provide legal advice and assistance to citizens, as well as conciliation, mediation and arbitration services. The CRELs can provide support to victims. An independent Ombudsman works to defend citizens' rights, freedoms and guarantees and ensure justice and legality in the public administration through informal procedures.
* Desde la Subsecretaría acompañamos a emprendedores sociales, cooperativas y empresas recuperadas en la generación de negocios inclusivos como herramienta para la reparación de los derechos humanos de los trabajadores a través de la inclusión laboral. De esta manera, se fomentan cadenas productivas de pequeña escala, redes asociativas, instrumentos para el desarrollo productivo y espacios de comercialización que fortalecen al sector.
Since 2003, within the Ministry of Finance, there has been a National Contact Point for implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, which is responsible for receiving complaints and issuing recommendations.
In 2014 Bulgaria established National Mechanism on Human Rights which is a inter government body uniting all human rights stake holders including NGOs. This independent body will deal with HR&B issues as well as means of redress and remedy.
Belgium was one of the first signatories of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (1976) and has an OECD contact point since 1980.
Moreover, Belgium has ratified the main international Human Rights treaties and recognizes the investigation and individual complaint mechanisms under all the Human Rights treaties that it has ratified, including the complaints mechanism of the International Covenant on economic, social and cultural rights.
Respuesta dada en su oportunidad al cuestionario del Grupo de Trabajo de Naciones Unidas sobre derechos humanos y empresas (Preguntas N° 30 y 32 de dicho cuestionario)
Desde la adhesión de Chile a las Líneas Directrices y el mandato de crear Puntos Nacionales de Contacto, se ha reforzado la eficacia de este instrumento así como dado respuestas a las solicitudes de información y ofrecer un espacio de mediación y conciliación destinado a resolver los problemas relacionados con un supuesto incumplimiento de las Líneas Directrices. El PNC de Chile elaboró un procedimiento para la resolución de casos y un cuestionario inicial en apoyo a las partes que tuvieran la necesidad de presentar un caso ante dicho PNC. La información se encuentra disponible en el sitio web del PNC de Chile: [enlace]
En materia de derechos de consumidores, el Servicio Nacional del Consumidor (SERNAC) es la institución del Estado responsable de vigilar que se respeten los derechos de las/os consumidores e implementar una política de protección de los derechos de los consumidores financieros, promoviendo para ello mercados justos, eficientes y competitivos. La misión de SERNAC es informar, proteger, educar, promover la participación ciudadana y fomentar la seguridad en el consumo. Entre los años 2010 y 2013, se realizaron más de 360 mediaciones colectivas, las que tuvieron por objeto reducir los tiempos de los litigios y mayor compensación a los consumidores. Así también, durante estos años se interpusieron 56 demandas colectivas en contra de empresas privadas (La Polar, CENCOSUD y Farmacias).
Al año 2013 se presentaron más de 312.000 reclamos contra empresas ante el SERNAC.
Por su parte, en cuento a los derechos laborales la Dirección del Trabajo tiene como misión institucional velar por el cumplimiento de la legislación laboral, fiscalizando, interpretando, orientando la correcta aplicación de la normativa y promoviendo la capacidad de autorregulación de las partes, en la búsqueda del desarrollo de relaciones de equilibrio entre empleadores y trabajadores. En los últimos años, una de las medidas para promover el cumplimiento de la normativa nacional se ha enfocado en la fiscalización, las que se desglosan en: a) el 34,3% micro empresas, b) el 26,1% pequeñas empresas, c) el 25,2% grandes empresas y d) el 14,3% medianas empresas. En los últimos cuatro años se realizaron 448.593 fiscalizaciones y 747.000 visitas inspectivas.
Durante los últimos cuatro años se presentaron 12.493 denuncias por derechos fundamentales. De ellas, 3.564 fueron constatadas como derechos fundamentales, 1.456 terminadas en acuerdo durante la mediación y 413 demandas presentadas en Tribunales.
En el mismo período la Dirección del Trabajo ha realizado 2.501 actuaciones de buenos oficios a favor de 390.785 trabajadores. El 59,2% de las actuaciones terminaron con acuerdo de las partes. Las negociaciones colectivas que fueron terminadas a través de los buenos oficios suman 1.646, con lo cual se benefició a 190.000 trabajadores.
Un paso valioso que se ha desarrollado es la creación del Punto Nacional de Contacto Colombia. El Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo estableció mediante el Decreto número 1400 de 2012, el Punto Nacional de Contacto de Colombia, y le asignó como principales funciones las siguientes:
a. Dar a conocer y difundir las Directrices entre las entidades y organismos estatales, el sector empresarial, las organizaciones sindicales, las organizaciones no gubernamentales y demás actores interesados.
b. Examinar los casos específicos que surjan en relación con la aplicación de las Directrices por parte de una empresa multinacional en Colombia.
c. Contribuir a la resolución de los casos específicos que surjan en relación con la aplicación de las Directrices, de manera imparcial, previsible, equitativa y compatible con los principios y normas de las Directrices.
d. Servir de foro de discusión, ayudando a las partes interesadas a resolver los problemas planteados en los casos específicos, de manera eficiente, oportuna y de conformidad con las Directrices.
e. Cooperar con los Puntos Nacionales de Contacto de los demás países adherentes a las Directrices.
f. Responder oportunamente las consultas acerca de las Directrices formuladas por otros Puntos Nacionales de Contacto, el sector empresarial, las organizaciones sindicales, las organizaciones no gubernamentales, los gobiernos de los países que no hayan suscrito las Directrices y demás interesados
Por otra parte, debe resaltarse que las estructuras de gobernanza, como concepto aplicable a diferentes tipos de conflictividad, es un buen modelo para garantizar el diálogo fluido en casos de alta conflictividad entre empresas y comunidades.
Access to non-judicial remedy
As a result of the adoption of the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and to accommodate the right to access to non-judicial remedy, the Danish Government has established a mediation and complaints-handling institution for responsible business conduct. To ensure that a non-judicial remedy has a maximum of legitimacy and authority, the institution was established by Danish law, which was passed through parliament and approved on June 12, 2012.
The purpose of the institution is to investigate cases involving potential adverse impacts by Danish companies on international CSR guidelines. The institution focuses on mediation to solve complaints - both on company level and if that is not possible, assisted by the mediation and complaints-handling institution. If mediation is not possible, the institution can initiate an investigation of the matter and based on the result, make a public statement.
The mediation and complaints-handling institution was established in accordance with the international effectiveness criteria for non-judicial mediation and grievance mechanisms as described in the UNGPs (GP 31). The institution can examine complaints involving not only Danish private companies but also public authorities and private organization, like NGO’s. It can also take up cases on its own initiative, which will allow the institution to be proactive in cases of substantive importance.
The institution has an annual budget of 3 mil. DKK.
As a first step in the case handling procedure the institution offers the company, which is the subject of the complaint two months to solve the conflict with the complainant without the involvement of the institution itself. This is an important incentive for the company to engage with the complainant. If the two parties succeed in solving the complaint on their own, the institution does not engage further and the case is closed. The institution, however, will review the agreement between the parties to make sure it is in accordance with the OECD Guidelines and the UNGPs. The result is made public, but without the names of the parties.
If the company and the complainant do not solve the matter on their own, the institution undertakes an initial assessment and based on the result the institution can offer mediation or investigation.
The Danish Institute for Human Rights, Denmark’s National Human Rights Institution, does counselling on laws and regulation regarding equal treatment, i.e. if a citizen contacts the Institute and informs them that he/she has been subjected to discrimination during a job-interview at a private company the Institute will be able to support the citizen. Private as well as public authorities are subject to the same regulatory requirements regarding equal treatment.
The counselling of the Institute can take several different forms, including legal counselling, assistance in developing a complaint to the Board of Equal Treatment and in seeking legal aid etc. Mediation is not something that is used regularly and has not taken place for a while (in cases of mediation external mediators with special knowledge in the area of discrimination have been used).
Other examples of non-judicial institutions which contribute to remedy for victims of business-related human rights abuses, include Employment Tribunals, national Ombudsman, and Consumer tribunal. Furthermore, Denmark has mechanisms for dealing with cases of race, gender, disability, age, religious discrimination in employment or services, etc.
Defensoría del Consumidor:
Por parte de la Defensoría del Consumidor, se han desarrollado 4 Centros de Solución de Controversias a nivel nacional, con cobertura de todo el territorio nacional; los cuales atienden un promedio de 30,000 personas al año. Particularmente se ha dado más desarrollo a los medios alternos denominados “Avenimiento”, como una forma de negociación no presencial que se ejecuta a través de medios tecnológicos de comunicación, y “Conciliación” la cual es un mecanismo de negociación presencial asistida. Los estilos de negociación desarrollados procuran equilibrar la disparidad natural entre proveedores y consumidores utilizando diversas herramientas de comunicación y negociación de la escuela transformativa.
Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social:
Desde el Ministerio de Trabajo se sostiene una constante relación de dialogo con las empresas y con las organizaciones sindicales, ejemplo de ello es que todas estas instancias fueron invitadas y consultadas para la formulación del Plan Quinquenal Anual del actual gobierno.
See response to previous question.
The Slovenian National Contact Point (NCP) is located at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of Slovenia as an integral part of the Directorate for Tourism and Internationalization.
The NCP is an instrument of promotion and guarantee that multinational enterprises everywhere are familiar with the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises; that they follow them and, if possible; that they adopt their own internal value system, also in the field of human rights. The NCP is also a kind of a mediation body for addressing received notifications of violations of the guidelines (also in the field of human rights).
A leaflet in Slovene language was made to raise awareness of the OECD Guidelines for multinational enterprises and Slovene NCP. Many promotional activities were made to promote this grievance mechanism also in the field of human rights.
Las Administraciones Públicas españolas tienen habilitado un sistema extrajudicial de resolución de conflictos entre consumidores y empresas. Ello está regulado principalmente por los artículos 57 y 58 del Real Decreto Legislativo 1/2007, de 16 de noviembre, por el que se aprueba el texto refundido de la Ley General para la Defensa de los Consumidores y Usuarios y otras leyes complementarias y el Real Decreto 231/2008 , de 15 de febrero, por el que regula el Sistema Arbitral de Consumo.
En relación con los conflictos laborales, desde 1996 el Estado español cuenta con un Acuerdo Nacional de Solución Extrajudicial de Conflictos Laborales (los llamados ASEC I, II, III y IV), firmados por los sindicatos y asociaciones empresariales más representativos. Además de ello, todas las Comunidades Autónomas en España han adoptado un Acuerdo sobre Solución Extrajudicial de Conflictos Laborales.
En el ámbito de la mediación penal, esta puede ser solicitada por cualquier persona que sea víctima o aparezca como imputada en un proceso penal, pero deberá ser acordada por el/la Juez encargado de la instrucción (o ejecución) del mismo y contar con la aprobación de la Fiscalía. El proceso de mediación tiene que ser aceptado por ambas partes.
En relación al desarrollo de mecanismos extrajudiciales el proyecto de PNEDH prevé:
- “MEDIDA 33: El Gobierno implementará un mecanismo (o mecanismos) de concertación y de reclamación extrajudicial destinado(s) a la recepción de quejas y a la mediación entre las partes de acuerdo con los criterios establecidos en el Principio nº. 31, con capacidad para investigar y autoridad para poner en práctica, si fuera necesario, la reparación, estableciendo criterios de accesibilidad para garantizar que el mismo sea accesible para los colectivos en situación de vulnerabilidad. La Comisión de Seguimiento realizará un estudio a tal efecto. Tras un análisis exhaustivo del cuerpo normativo vigente y de los mecanismos existentes así como de las posibles necesidades de las partes manifestadas, y tomando en consideración las recomendaciones del estudio realizado, este grupo de trabajo podrá recomendar la ampliación del mandato de los mecanismos extrajudiciales existentes o la creación de nuevos mecanismos un año tras la aprobación de este Plan, facilitando asimismo a la Comisión de Seguimiento un calendario y una asignación de responsabilidades para su puesta en práctica”.
- MEDIDA 34: “Se oficializará y dotará de recursos suficientes (financiera y técnicamente) al Punto Nacional de Contacto Español de las Líneas Directrices de la OCDE para empresas multinacionales y se tendrán en cuenta las reformas e iniciativas que han desarrollado otros puntos de contacto en los últimos años, para permitir que éste pueda desempeñar correctamente la doble misión que tiene encomendada: difundir las Líneas Directrices de la OCDE para empresas Multinacionales entre el tejido empresarial español y contribuir a resolver posibles casos de incumplimiento de las mismas por las empresas.”
- MEDIDA 35: “El Gobierno pondrá en práctica tareas de coordinación con las Organizaciones Financieras Internacionales respecto de los mecanismos de reparación no judicial existentes o la necesidad de su definición e implementación. Asimismo el Gobierno fijará los criterios de transparencia e información pública pre y post resolución de los casos atendidos y establecerá un programa de seguimiento y cumplimiento de las resoluciones o acuerdos que pongan fin a los conflictos”.
Response to this question is predicated on the ongoing development of the U.S. National Action Plan.
National contact point has been created and is coordinated by the Minstry of Economic Affiars and Communications in Estonia.
Finland supports the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and is an active member of the OECD Investment Committee, which develops and coordinates the Guidelines. Finland has had a National Contact Point (NCP) since 2001. Since 2008 the Ministry of Employment and the Economy and the Committee on CSR act together as the NCP. The NCP is tasked with furthering the effectiveness of the Guidelines by undertaking promotional activities, handling inquiries, and providing a mediation and conciliation platform for resolving issues that arise from the alleged non-observance of the Guidelines. This built-in grievance mechanism is internationally unique, since the members of the CSR Committee represent public authorities, trade and industry, labour market and NGOs. The government is committed to further develop the functioning of the NCP.
National Contact Points for the OECD
From its creation in 2001 to May 2104, 22 specific instances were referred to the National Contact Point: 14 were submitted by trade unions, five by NGOs, one by NGOs and a trade union and one by the United Nations, and there was one referral seeking the opinion of the Minister of Foreign Trade. The National Contact Point was consulted on ten cases by other National Contact Points.
From June 2013 to May 2014, the National Contact Point received three new referrals:
FINNISH MULTINATIONAL IN FRANCE: A specific instance received in April 2014. The National Contact Point reviewed its admissibility and then conducted an initial evaluation of it. [Update – The communiqué on admissibility was published on 10 September 2014: [link]]
FRENCH MULTINATIONAL IN GABON: A specific instance received in April 2014. This case is mentioned in this activity report (the referral was rejected in June 2014 because it was inadmissible, and the National Contact Point communiqué was published on 30 July 2014). National Contact Point communiqué: [link].
EIFFAGE ENERGIE: A specific instance received in October 2013 and closed in March 2014 following the initial evaluation (see below).
From June 2013 to May 2014, the National Contact Point closed a further four referrals and followed up several others:
EIFFAGE ENERGIE – France, 2013/2014
REFERRAL SEEKING THE OPINION OF THE NATIONAL CONTACT POINT FOLLOWING THE RANA PLAZA TRAGEDY IN BANGLADESH, May-December 2013, follow-up in progress “Rapport du PCN sur la mise en œuvre des Principes directeurs de l’OCDE dans la filière textile-habillement” (National Contact Point Report on the implementation of the OECD Guidelines in the textile and clothing sector). Available on our website: [link] and follow-up communiqué: [link].
SOCAPALM – Cameroon, 2010/2013, follow-up in progress [Update – Follow-up communiqué: [link]]
MICHELIN – India, 2012/2013, follow-up in progress [Update – Follow-up communiqué: [link]]
The French National Contact point revised its Rules of Procedure in 2012 to incorporate the revision of the Guidelines, then in March 2014. In particular, these revisions enabled improvements to be made to the processing and follow-up of referrals (timeframe, consultation of experts) and to the communication of referral processing (initial evaluation, follow-up).
Alternate dispute resolution is being promoted.
With the support of the UNDP, the government has started the process of reforming the defence and security forces. As part of the same programme, it has begun the process of peacebuilding and bolstering national unity, in which it has defined mechanisms for transitional justice applicable to settling conflicts and remedy for citizens.
On the administrative side, several mechanisms are available, including the Complaints Office and the National Agency for the Promotion of Good Governance and the Fight Against Corruption (ANLC) freephone number.
Following the re-organisation of the Hungarian OECD NCP in September 2014, the renewal of the NCP complaint procedure is underway and is expected to be adopted by the end of the year.
Government initiates campaigns in radio, t.v. and street banners concerning rights and information in that sense.
Conciliation proceedings are in the core of unit in plant level disputes and others.
ADR systems [mediation, arbitration, and dispute resolution services for commercial and personal injury] became popular and government with social partners has signed a treaty to encourage these trends.
If a person meets the State Legal Aid Act criteria, the State shall ensure legal consultations and the drawing up of procedural documents for the protection of the infringed or contested rights of a person or his or her interests protected by the law in a civil legal dispute and in order to prepare an application or a claim to the court or a settlement document, if a person is involved in a dispute of legal nature, in which legal proceedings are possible.
Latvia is an adherent to the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises. The Latvian National Contact Point (NCP), established in 2004, includes representatives of Ministries and other governmental institutions, Employers’ Confederation of Latvia and Free Trade Union Confederation of Latvia. The Secretariat of the NCP’s Consultative Board is based within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The OECD Guidelines for multinational enterprises (OECD Guidelines) are being promoted by informative measures. We regularly arrange different meetings and seminars to promote the OECD Guidelines. Latvian NCP has dedicated webpages within the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which contains information on the OECD Guidelines, the NCP itself, and the texts of the Guidelines in Latvian and English are provided. The Latvian authorities are supportive of responsible business conduct and devote effort to increasing the level of knowledge among entrepreneurs through seminars and conferences promoting the benefits of responsible business conduct and best practices. Just an example, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Latvian Investment and Development Agency organise regular meetings with Latvian entrepreneurs ("The ABC of Exporting") aimed at the promotion of export and development of economic relations. Printed summary leaflets on the OECD Guidelines are distributed.
At this moment, we are developing the National Action Plan to promote Corporate Social Responsibility and responsible business conduct in consultation with the business and trade unions, as well as NGOs representatives. The Plan will be based on the OECD Guidelines as well other relevant documents.
So far, the NCP has not dealt with any specific instances.
Consumer Rights Protection Centre
On March 17, 1998 the Cabinet of Ministers decided to establish Consumer Rights Protection Centre (CRPC) on the basis of already existing Trade and Service Control Centre (Order March 17, 1998, No. 128). The main aim of the CRPC is to protect consumer rights by supervising trade of goods and supply of services, providing consumers with the necessary information and helping them to resolve conflicts, which have emerged. Latvia’s accession to the European Union was a major development, which affected legislation and politics in many areas, inter alia, consumer rights protection; market surveillance; product and service safety; etc. CRPC is working under the supervision of the Ministry of Economics, which enforces the protection of consumer rights and interests, and the operation of the CRPC is regulated by the Consumer Rights Protection Law. According to the Statutes of CRPC, the main functions of the Center are:
The social partners (management and labour) are calling for an evaluation of the role of Provincial and National Commissions.
This work is carried out by a range of institutions, including NGOs.
Una de las actividades del PNC es contribuir a la resolución de asuntos relacionados por las supuestas violaciones en la implementación de las Directrices por parte de una empresa multinacional. Cualquier persona, organización o empresa que se sienta afectada puede presentar el caso ante el PNC de México, con el fin de encontrar una solución a su inconformidad. A este procedimiento se le conoce como Instancia Específica.
Una instancia específica es el procedimiento por el cual una o varias partes interesadas solicitan los buenos oficios del PNC para la resolución de cuestiones que puedan surgir con relación a posibles violaciones en la implementación de las Directrices por parte de la empresa multinacional.
Al tratarse de una mediación, la instancia específica se convierte en un procedimiento amigable, rápido y eficaz, que promueve el intercambio de opiniones e ideas, así como la comprensión y la reconciliación de las partes en beneficio de todos.
Las etapas que constituyen a las Instancias Específicas son:
La Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor es un organismo descentralizado con funciones de autoridad administrativa. Está encargada de promover y proteger los derechos e intereses del consumidor y procurar la equidad y seguridad jurídica en las relaciones entre proveedores y consumidores, asegurando certeza, legalidad y seguridad jurídica dentro del marco normativo de los derechos humanos reconocidos para los consumidores (art. 20, Ley Federal de Protección al Consumidor). Esta Procuraduría cuenta con una Dirección General de Quejas y Conciliación, es la encargada de coordinar, acordar y concertar acuerdos y acciones de protección al consumidor, así como para solucionar en forma expedita las reclamaciones de los consumidores con proveedores y sus organizaciones, y con instituciones y organizaciones de los sectores público, social y privado.
Please see Section 1.
Seed funding for the organisation ACCESS Facility, which aims to improve access to non-judicial grievance mechanisms. / Strong support for the OECD NCP. NCP has been given the authority to conduct sectoral studies in at the request of the government for serious CSR cases.
The UK’s framework of legislation and range of remedy mechanisms are diverse, including apologies, restitution, rehabilitation, financial and non-financial compensation and punitive sanctions, as well as prevention of harm through injunctions or guarantees of non-repetition. The UK’s own provision of judicial remedy options are an important element in the remedy mix. Non-judicial grievance mechanisms based on engagement between the parties involved are also an important option.
The UK provides support for non-judicial grievance mechanisms. It maintains a National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines. The UK NCP publishes and circulates to Parliament and other stakeholders (eg UK Export Finance) its Final Statements on complaint, and so there is a reputational incentive for enterprises to participate, as well as the potential to resolve issues through mediation supported by the NCP.
The Government encourages companies to review their existing grievance procedures to ensure they are fair, transparent, understandable, well-publicised and accessible by all, and provide for grievances to be resolved effectively without fear of victimization. It is also important for businesses to require similar good practice of their supply chains, especially in areas where abuses of rights have been identified.
Better visibility of National Contact Point on the website of the Ministry of Industry and Trade
Labour Court, Amnesty International, Human Rights Commission.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
The Swiss National Contact Point for the OECD Guiding Principles oversees compliance with the Guiding Principles and discusses any related issues with the interested parties, thus contributing to resolution of the problems raised. It offers mediation to the parties concerned.
OECD NCP:
For more information, see: [link]
In general, accountability and respect for fundamental principles of human rights is the responsibility of all companies, whether they have operations inside or outside the country.
The internationalization of Brazilian companies is still in its early stages.
This question does not apply.
[See response to actions on judicial remedies here.]
Respuesta dada en su oportunidad al cuestionario del Grupo de Trabajo de Naciones Unidas sobre derechos humanos y empresas (Preguntas N° 18, 19 y 28)
De acuerdo a las obligaciones de reforzar la eficacia de las Líneas Directrices a través de actividades de promoción, el Punto Nacional de Contacto (PNC) elaboró un tríptico para la difusión de las Líneas Directrices y el rol del PNC, el que fue enviado a todas las Embajadas y Misiones comerciales. Asimismo, se han realizado distintas capacitaciones desde la incorporación el año 2011del capítulo IV dedicado a los Derechos Humanos, con el objetivo de acercar a los funcionarios diplomáticos la importancia de este Instrumento. Finalmente, el PNC participó en una actividad organizada por el PNC de Colombia, momento que fue aprovechado para mantener reunión con funcionarios de la Embajada de Chile en ese país, así como inversores y exportadores de ese país.
Tras la actualización de las Líneas Directrices el año 2011 y el nuevo enfoque global de la debida diligencia y la gestión responsable de la cadena de suministro, el PNC de Chile consciente de la importancia de dar un seguimiento responsable a toda la cadena, ha realizado diferentes actividades de difusión destinadas a concientizar a todos los sectores.
Por el momento las empresas no tienen una obligación formal de informar al PNC si disponen de procedimientos específicos sobre debida diligencia. Sin embargo, en el año 2013 se tomó contacto con las principales empresas estatales del país para conocer si su actuar estaba en concordancia con las Líneas Directrices OCDE. Se espera seguir desarrollando esta temática.
En principio y como regla general no se puede presentar ante los tribunales nacionales casos contra las empresas por presuntos abusos de los derechos humanos que fueron cometidos en el extranjero, pues la jurisdicción de los tribunales chilenos tanto en materia civil como penal se rige por el principio de la territorialidad (art. 76 CPR, 5º y157 del COT). En consecuencia, los tribunales chilenos sólo son competentes para conocer de los asuntos judiciales que se promuevan dentro del territorio de la República. La jurisdicción de los órganos resolutivos chilenos no se extiende más allá de nuestras fronteras, así como tampoco pueden los tribunales extranjeros resolver asuntos que se hayan promovido en Chile. Sin embargo existen normas en nuestro ordenamiento que excepción al el principio de la territorialidad, lo que podría otorgarle competencia a los tribunales chilenos en determinados casos.
El artículo 6º del Código Orgánico de Tribunales señala que quedan dentro de la jurisdicción chilena los crímenes y simples delitos perpetrados fuera del territorio de la República que se indican (ver 167 COT); señalando en su numeral 8) “Los comprendidos en tratados celebrados con otras potencias”.
La Ley Nº 20.393, no contiene norma especial en materia de investigación y juzgamiento en Chile de hechos acaecidos en el extranjero; además, su campo de aplicación material es muy restringido. En consecuencia, un tribunal chileno con competencia penal no podría conocer y juzgar los delitos contra los derechos humanos ya que los tratados internacionales suscritos por Chile en materia de derechos humanos no tipifican ni sancionan delitos, sino que establecen principios que deberán hacerse valer en otras instancias, incluso considerándolos fuentes de ius cogens.
No obstante, en virtud del artículo 6 Nº 8 del COT podría permitirse, en la eventualidad que existiera un tratado internacional que tipifique y sancione específicamente la responsabilidad penal de las personas jurídicas en el caso planteado, que los tribunales chilenos puedan conocer de esos casos.
En materia de acciones civiles de indemnización de perjuicios derivados de las violaciones a los derechos humanos, no existiendo normas especiales que regulen la materia, podrán plantearse ante el tribunal civil que resulte competente según las reglas generales. Estas últimas, en materia de competencia judicial internacional civil se refieren a las normas contempladas en el Código de Derecho Internacional Privado, ya que existe un vacío en esta materia en la legislación interna de Chile. Según los artículos 318 y siguientes del código señalado, serían competentes los tribunales civiles chilenos solo en el caso que exista un pacto de sumisión entre las partes, o bien, la parte demandada tenga domicilio o residencia en Chile. Debe recordarse que la jurisprudencia de la Excma. Corte Suprema, es muy fecunda en cuanto a la procedencia de indemnizaciones civiles producto de violaciones a derechos fundamentales, criterio que también ha sustentado hace mucho tiempo la Corte Interamericana de DD.HH., basado en la obligación de control de convencionalidad que tienen todos los órganos del Estado.
NO.
Companies operating abroad
In co-operation with the Danish Business Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers annual CSR workshops for Danish companies and their local partners at embassies around the world, from Mexico in the west to Indonesia in the east. For those embassies that have held workshops two or three times already, the workshops are evolving into so-called CSR “clubs”. Creating awareness about the Guiding Principles is an essential part of the workshops and the agenda of the CSR clubs. Embassies have also received specific instructions about the establishment of the new Mediation and Complaints Handling Institution, the new OECD National Contact Point, which replaced a more old-fashioned NCP model in 2012.
The Trade Council of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs use the UN Global Compact Self-Assessment Tool whenever it carries out CSR assessments for Danish companies abroad and for their local partners. The Guiding Principles, not least the due diligence approach, are integrated in the Tool. In business facilities supported by Danish development assistance (Danida) and administered by the Embassies, the Embassies also make use of Global Compact’s Self-assessment Tool to ensure CSR, including human rights, due diligence.
Denmark works to ensure that companies involved in Danish development cooperation respect human rights and act responsibly within the areas of worker’s rights, human rights, environment, and anti-corruption within the framework of ILO conventions, UN Global Compact, the OECD guidelines for multinational enterprises, and work towards implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Companies involved in Danida Business Partnerships – an instrument that facilitates and provides economic support to develop commercial partnerships between Danish companies and partners from developing countries - are now required to integrate CSR strategically in their business operations and to demonstrate CSR due diligence, including human rights due diligence in order to mitigate adverse impact of their business activities. The Danida Business Finance instrument engages both local buyers and Danish companies in the promotion of human rights and CSR activities through due diligence analysis and requirements to comply with fundamental principles of ILO when providing interest-free loans to public infrastructure projects in developing countries.
According to the Criminal Code, acts committed outside the Danish territory are subject to Danish criminal jurisdiction in certain specified cases. Criminal liability presupposes that the Danish penal provision that may be violated also applies to acts committed abroad (extraterritorial applicability). The question of whether a penal provision has extraterritorial applicability is not generally regulated by law. Instead, the question depends on interpretation in each case of the particular penal provision. Generally, the penal provisions in the Criminal Code have extraterritorial applicability. Conversely, other penal provisions generally only apply to acts committed within the Danish territory.
On the face of it, the Ministry of Justice does not have knowledge of such cases brought before the national courts.
Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social:
El mecanismo de rendición de cuentas de las personas trabajadoras a nivel internacional es la Organización Internacional de Trabajo, a través del Convenio 87 sobre Libertad Sindical y la Protección del Derecho de Sindicación, así como todos los otros Convenios, a los cuales las personas agraviadas recurren interponiendo una queja y el Gobierno Recibe a través del mecanismo establecido las recomendaciones pertinentes.
La Ley orgánica 1/2014, de 13 de marzo, relativa a la justicia universal, modificó el artículo 23.4 de la Ley orgánica del Poder Judicial en materia de extensión y límites de la jurisdicción. Los Tribunales penales españoles conocerán de los hechos cometidos por españoles o extranjeros fuera del territorio nacional susceptibles de tipificarse, según la ley española, como algunos de los delitos que se enumeran en dicha disposición, que incluye las violaciones más graves de los derechos humanos, cuando se cumplan las condiciones expresadas en la misma..
Además, la Ley orgánica 5/2010, de 22 de junio, por la que se modifica la L.O. 10/1995, de 23 de noviembre, del Código Penal introdujo un nuevo artículo (art. 31 bis) sobre responsabilidad penal de las personas jurídicas.
Asimismo, el artículo 116 del Código Penal configura la responsabilidad civil de las personas jurídicas.
Response to this question is predicated on the ongoing development of the U.S. National Action Plan.
Question does not apply.
Please see answer to question 3.2, example #3.
Furthermore, the Finnish National Contact Point has disseminated information about the OECD Guidelines and the UNGPs to the Finnish embassies abroad in order to inform the local Finnish enterprises on the Guidelines, and business and human rights.
Last 23 June, the national parliament passed the Bill on the orientation and programming of development and international solidarity policy. Article 5 of the Act sets out that, within the framework of the corporate social responsibility requirement, firms shall establish risk management procedures in order to identify, prevent or mitigate social, health and environmental risks and human rights abuses that may derive from their activities in partner countries. France encourages companies headquartered on its territory that have operations abroad to implement the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council. France, therefore, pays particular attention to the establishment of due diligence mechanisms in multinational enterprises in order to identify, prevent or mitigate human rights abuses.
None.
Yes, the government has created a framework for foreign direct investment in the Guinean economy in the form of a law and implementing decree which set out all the obligations and rights linked to this issue.
This question does not apply.
Thanks to the Common Approaches OECD Recommendation, accountability can be achieved regarding both the exports of Italian companies and the impact of their exports. Before providing their services, export credit agencies carry out social and environmental impact assessments based on the Common Approaches.
It should be noted that labour legislation in Luxembourg constitutes a public policy which must be complied with in Luxembourg, even by foreign companies executing a contract in the Grand Duchy. In addition to all the safety standards, the guaranteed minimum wage must be paid to all employees involved in execution of a public contract, whether the company concerned is incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or is incorporated elsewhere and simply performs work in Luxembourg.
The few Moroccan firms operating in Africa have been made aware of the issue but not of any specific measures.
Question doesn't apply.
Las Directrices, en su capítulo III (Divulgación de información), mencionan que las empresas deberán garantizar, en los plazos oportunos, de información exacta sobre todos los aspectos significativos de sus actividades, estructuras, situación financiera, resultados, accionistas y sistemas de gobierno corporativo.
Asimismo, se alienta a las empresas a divulgar información adicional sobre declaraciones de principios o de normas de conductas diseñadas para su divulgación pública, información acerca de sus políticas en relación con los temas contemplados en las Directrices, los cuales incluyen instrumentos en materia de Derechos Humanos.
Cuando algún proyecto es autorizado en materia de impacto y riesgo ambiental, se condiciona al promovente a presentar informes de cumplimiento de condicionantes (programas de: reforestación, de ahuyentamiento de fauna, seguimiento ambiental, indicadores de agua, suelo, aire, etc.), respecto de la ejecución del proyecto, mismos que harán de conocimiento a la Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente, so pena de aplicación de un procedimiento administrativo sancionatorio, civil o penal.
El artículo 4º del Código Penal Federal establece que los delitos cometidos en territorio extranjero por un mexicano contra mexicanos o contra extranjeros, o por un extranjero contra mexicanos, pueden ser penados en la República mexicana según las leyes federales si se cumplen los siguientes requisitos: i) el acusado se encuentra en México; ii) el acusado no ha sido definitivamente juzgado en el país en el que delinquió; y iii) la infracción de la que se le acuse tenga el carácter de delito en el país en que se ejecutó y en México.
Please see Section 1.
Implementation of the new EU directive on non-financial reporting. Separately, the government already conducts an annual Transparency benchmark geared towards the 500 largest Dutch companies.
Many criminal offences in UK law are capable of being committed by companies. These criminal offences cover conduct which could amount to a ‘human rights abuse’ depending on how that term is defined. For example, we have a statutory corporate manslaughter offence and there have certainly been successful prosecutions of companies for a range of offences which might be seen as amounting to human rights abuses.
No.
Compulsory application of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Article L95 of the 2015 Draft Mining Code Bill on respect for and the protection of Human Rights.
Question not applicable.
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs:
In criminal proceedings against business undertakings, jurisdiction lies with the authorities at the place where the company’s registered office is located (Criminal Procedure Code [CrimPC] art. 36, para. 2). Hence, prosecution can be brought in Switzerland only against those companies that are also domiciled in Switzerland – but against them it is nevertheless possible.
Swiss law provides for the criminal liability of legal persons at articles 102 Criminal Code (CrimC). A company has subsidiary criminal liability (para 1) for all crimes and offences when an offence cannot be attributed to a particular individual owing to an organizational failure in the company. In addition, a company carries the primary criminal responsibility for certain serious offences, including bribery of domestic or foreign public officials and money-laundering, regardless of the criminal liability of natural persons, if the company failed to take all reasonable and necessary organizational measures to prevent the offence.
Thus, for example, in November 2011, a company domiciled in Switzerland was fined because persons in positions of responsibility had not taken all necessary and reasonable organisational measures to prevent the payment of bribes to foreign officials abroad.
Civil proceedings:
Regarding tortious acts, Swiss courts at the “domicile” of a company have jurisdiction. The domicile of a company is located where it has its (a) statutory seat, (b) central administration or (c) principal place of business (Lugano Convention [LC] art. 2, para. 1, and 60).
Where the company is not domiciled in Switzerland, Swiss courts have jurisdiction if the tortious act committed abroad caused injury in Switzerland (art. 129 Private International Law Act [PILA]; art. 5 nr. 3 LC).
Other courts in Switzerland may also have jurisdiction, e.g. at the place where a branch office is located in Switzerland, or where the bringing of action in another country is not possible or cannot reasonably be expected and the facts on which the claim is based have a sufficient connection with Switzerland (jurisdiction by necessity; art. 3 PILA).
If Swiss law is applicable, the tortfeasor (i.e. the company, subsidiary or supplier that commits the tort abroad) bears liability. If a group of companies is implied, the parent company may be held liable where no organisational separation has been made between the parent company and the tortfeasing subsidiary (so-called “piercing of the corporate veil”; Civil Code [CC] art. 2).
OECD NCP:
For more information, see: [link]
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⦁ Falta de entendimiento o concienciación sobre el tema de las empresas y los derechos humanos
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⦁ Retos de coordinación entre los diferentes departamentos gubernamentales
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⦁ Faltan recursos para la supervisión, aplicación y prosecución.
⦁ Oposición o falta de consenso dentro del gobierno.
⦁ Oposición de grupos económicos de interés o asociaciones empresariales.
⦁ Otra oposición por parte de personas influyentes o grupos externos al gobierno
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⦁ Limitaciones políticas impuestas por gobiernos extranjeros o instituciones multilaterales
⦁ Preocupación sobre la des-incentivación de inversión extranjera
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Support could be in the form of capacity-building, training, technical assistance, and sharing experiences with other countries and companies.
The holding of awareness-raising events aimed at government bodies that are not traditionally active in the area of human rights (especially in the area of commerce and the economy) could contribute to building consensus.
Support to convince other countries to draft and reinforce their own legislation with regards to Human Rights and create a level playing field in this respect.
Our experience has taught us that the process of writing a NAP on Business and Human Rights was also a strong catalyst in this regard, as well as a useful means of sensitizing both government, business and civil society to the issues at hand.
In that perspective, we will encourage our partners to also draw up their own NAP’s, in a transparent and inclusive way, keeping in mind the need to consult with the relevant stakeholders.
Chile se encuentra actualmente ante el desafío de implementar los Principios Rectores. El país está en una etapa inicial en la que el fortalecimiento de capacidades, tanto dentro del Estado, como fuera de él, es indispensable. El Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores se encuentra trabajando para generar espacios que permitan desarrollar un debate interno en la materia. En este punto, es fundamental el fortalecimiento de capacidades que permitan a todos los actores entender el alcance de los Principios Rectores, con el fin de alentar un diálogo nacional amplio, abierto e informado. En este sentido, agradecemos todo apoyo que su organización nos pueda dar en esta etapa, relacionada a entrenamiento, difusión y discusión sobre la materia a nivel nacional.
Chile también ha alentado fuertemente el tratamiento de este tema a nivel regional, a través de la presentación de una resolución en la última Asamblea General ONU que apunta a la implementación de los Principios Rectores. En este sentido, también creemos que sería de utilidad el apoyo y asistencia técnica que se pueda dar para fomentar el diálogo e intercambio de buenas prácticas en la Región, que apunten al objetivo propuesto en la resolución.
Asistencia técnica para la implementación de un sistema de información que permita hacer seguimiento a los impactos en derechos humanos de las actividades empresariales en los territorios.
Ensure greater coordination among UNGP initiatives internationally. Often different international organisations and initiatives refer to different governmental departments nationally. This makes it very difficult for civil servants working with the UNGPs to keep a complete overview.
The issues of extraterritoriality and the expectations in the UNGP on this issue are difficult to implement from a national perspective. The Danish Government actively promotes the discussion on extraterritorial legislation, in particular the need for joint solutions at international level. The Government has recommended that the Council of Europe should take the lead on the issue of extraterritoriality. The Council of Europe would be an excellent point of departure for this discussion as it covers virtually the entire European continent and focuses on the protection of human rights. Furthermore the Council of Europe is already working on these issues through its Steering Committee for Human Rights.
Defensoría del Consumidor:
Todos los tipos de apoyo arriba indicados son bienvenidos para nuestro país. Especialmente asistencia técnica en guías de derechos humanos para las empresas; involucramiento en los foros sobre las empresas y su vinculación sobre la protección de derechos humanos.
Exchange of information, Awareness-raising
Fortalecimiento de capacidades y aprendizaje colaborativo con otros Estados.
The U.S. government seeks to continue to collaborate with governments, civil society, and business to improve business impacts on human rights and to further dissemination and implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We encourage others to join us as we rededicate our energy to continued participation in constructive, multi-stakeholder processes to further the Guiding Principles, including through our NAP process and the expert consultation process on domestic remedies for gross human rights abuses led by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Our government would consider the most helpful capacity-building and trainings in order to improve companies’ impacts on human rights.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Latvian NCP are interested in learning from other NCPs colleagues about their experience and useful practices, national plans in particular to promote the business & human rights issues.
Capacity-building, providing training and technical assistance, sharing knowledge and fostering cooperative learning with countries in the same situation.
At this stage, we would welcome wide-ranging support, including capacity building, training, technical assistance, knowledge sharing and collaborative learning with countries that have similar characteristics. Once appropriate activities have been identified and a clear timetable approved, we will be able to make contact as and when necessary to discuss available support.
Sería conveniente la creación de talleres y seminarios en materia de derechos humanos que impliquen la participación activa del sector público, privado y social. Asimismo, sería conveniente fortalecer las campañas de concientización de la población en materias de responsabilidad social empresarial, incluyendo temas de Derechos Humanos, particularmente dirigidos a las micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas.
Asimismo el INAES, por mandato de la Ley de la Economía Social y Solidaria apoya a los OSSE, los cuales al ser un tipo de empresas sujetas al respeto de ciertos fines, principios, valores y prácticas (Artículo 8,9, 10 y 11 de la LESS), sus actividades no se ven como amenazas a los derechos humanos, sino al contrario, coadyuvan a que se concreten ciertos derechos sociales y económicos relacionados con una vida digna y una actividad remunerada.
The UN Guiding Principles have become the authoritative tool for dealing with human rights abuses involving business in our globalized economy. They have been picked up by business, particularly larger enterprises. Their usefulness are also demonstrated through uptake of the Principles by international institutions like the OECD, ASEAN, African Union, International Finance Corporation etc.
However, the challenges that the Principles address are complex and differ from State to State, and thus from company to company. There are difficult and partly different issues to deal with in all states, and different and often limited resources for implementation. The UN Guiding Principles argue for a smart mix of law, effective regulation and other incentives. We view the National Action Plans is a key tool to map existing rules and policies and identify room for improvement in this regard. On the international level, increased coherence between international instruments (UN, World Bank, Development Banks, OECD etc) would be to the benefit of both states and business in terms of harmonizing expectations and levelling the playing field.
Also, we should not overlook that a key challenge remaining is to mainstream human rights due diligence as an integral part of business practice processes. We would welcome capacity building amongst States and other key stakeholders on how to reach out to and motivate business enterprises still not familiar with the Principles, through National Action Plans or other policy measures.
Mostly sharing knowledge, and capacity building for countries with problematic rule of law.
Sharing knowledge and collaborative learning, from other countries. More case studies of what has worked from Governments and Businesses, particularly on access to remedy.
Capacity building and sharing of best practices. One of our obstacles is generally low awareness and understanding of the issue as well as of the Guiding principles.
[Survey suggested: Forms of support may include capacity-building, training, technical assistance, sharing knowledge, and collaborative learning with peer countries.]
Yes.
The Foreign office will be glad to provide further detailed information during the process of developing [the NAP] regarding the question 3, 5 and 6.
It is important for companies to respect human rights and show respect for the dignity of human brings in a direct way and through their image and activities. Observation of these principles helps companies train their staff by opening up space for debate, promoting dialogue and maintaining open forums.
Además de lo ya señalado respecto a la difusión y fomento del diálogo con el objeto de implementar los Principios Rectores, puede ser de utilidad un estudio y análisis de buenas prácticas a nivel internacional sobre las diferentes metodologías utilizadas al desarrollar un Plan Nacional de Acción. En este sentido, un análisis sobre los procesos mediante los cuales se desarrollaron los Planes Nacionales de Acción en los países en que estos se han llevado a cabo puede ser de utilidad. Creemos que puede ser interesante además comparar y analizar los países en que se han llevado a cabo Planes Nacionales de Acción sobre empresas y derechos humanos, y aquellos que han hecho Planes nacionales de Acción sobre Responsabilidad Social Empresarial, que incluyen el tema de derechos humanos. Analizar por qué se ha hecho así y la conveniencia de hacerlo de una u otra forma, así como los puntos en que convergen.
Estonia is co-sponsor of UN HRC resolution 26/22 Human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.
The Guinean government would like a stronger partnership with your institution in this new domain, which is now at the heart of the public-private partnership with regard to both direct investment and companies’ responsibility to their (political, economic, social and cultural) setting.
This partnership could be in the area of training, knowledge and know-how, transfers of knowledge and skills and/or institutional and structural capacity building of public and private institutions, including the non-governmental actors involved in business and human rights.
[B]usiness and human rights is quite [a] new issue and the government does not yet take it as [an] important issue to be integrated in the policy and program, [w]hile in fact, many complaint[s] related [to] business complicity [in] human rights abuses [are] received by [the] Human Rights Commission. Therefore, we need to enhance the campaign and [underline to] the government the importance of this issue for sustainable development and long-term investment.
Cabe señalar que de acuerdo al Programa Nacional de Derechos Humanos 2014-2018 y la alineación correspondiente con el Programa de Desarrollo Innovador de la Secretaría de Economía, la Coordinación General de Minería a través de la Dirección General de Regulación Minera, se vincula al objetivo 4.4.4 “Promover que la legislación que regula a las empresas garantice el respeto a los derechos humanos”. Por su parte, el objetivo 4 del PRODEINN está alineado con el objetivo 4 del PRODEMIN (Programa de Desarrollo Minero) 2013-2018 que corresponde a “Modernizar la normatividad institucional para el sector y mejorar los procesos de atención a trámites relacionados con las concesiones mineras”.
Building the capacity of stakeholders through short- and long-term training, organizing workshops for exchanging experiences, study trips, etc.
More shared information on Business and Human Rights to inform future priorities for future activity, more opportunies to engage at events, meetings, conferences etc. (including webinairs etc.) with practical follow up action and outcomes. Evidence based research about key issues and challenges in different country contexts consulting all key stakeholders, training opportunities, sharing information of lessons learned and case studies. Looking at non-judicial provision of access to remedy.
We would like to further our knowledge of global best practices.
Networking to learn best practices on business and human rights.
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