Business & Human Rights

Mining, Metals Industry Body Requires Adherence to UNGPs

December 12, 2018

In November, the International Council on Mining & Metals, a global industry body promoting “safe, fair and sustainable” practices in the mining and metals industry, became the first such body to require member companies to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
Italy Publishes Five-Year BHR Action Plan

December 12, 2018

The Italian government recently published its first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (BHR), for the years 2016 through 2021, as “an instrument to move towards the new needs of interaction between human rights and the economic dimension,” as outlined in the UN Guiding Principles on BHR.
China Requires Tech Firms to Report on Logging of User Data

December 10, 2018

Al Jazeera reports that, in a move likely to reignite controversy regarding cooperation between Western technology firms and the Chinese government, the country’s Cyberspace Administration is requiring new “assessment reports” from internet platforms showing they are logging accurate details of their users.
NGO Produces “Mapping” of Women’s Issues in UNGPs

December 10, 2018

The Danish Institute for Human Rights has published a global “mapping” of gender-related issues national governments should review when considering their implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
Australian Government Reforms OECD Contact Point

December 10, 2018

In November, the Australian Treasury Department announced a series of reforms to the country’s National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, including the creation of an “Independent Examiner” and advisory board to increase the body’s independence and reduce its accountability to government.