SAVE THE DATE: 8 Proposals for the New Legally Binding International Instrument on Transnational Corporations (TNCs) and Human Rights

In June 2014, the Human Rights Council adopted resolution 26/9 on the elaboration of an international legally binding instrument on transnational corporations (TNCs) and other business enterprises with respect to human rights. This is a historic achievement after decades of discussions and failed attempts within the United Nations. Such an instrument has the potential to substantially promote the protection and fulfilment of human rights in the long-term and on a global scale. It can contribute to ending the impunity that TNCs routinely enjoy for their human rights violations, especially in countries of the Global South, and to ensuring access to justice for the victims of their activities.

The Global Campaign to Dismantle Corporate Power and Stop Impunity, an international network comprising over 200 social movements, networks, organizations, and representatives of victims and affected communities from all around the world, was actively involved and facilitated the gathering of dozens of delegates in Geneva for a week of high profile mobilization during the Human Rights Council session in June 2014 to demand new binding norms on human rights and TNCs.

It is now submitting to the intergovernmental working group a written contribution containing its proposals regarding the nature, scope, form and content of the new legally binding international instrument. These proposals have been formally endorsed by over 100 organizations, social movements, trade unions and representatives of victims and affected communities from all around the world. They will be presented and discussed during the side event.