Inaugural Business and Human Rights Dialogue in Arab Region to Kick Off Tomorrow

Doha: The Inaugural Business and Human Rights Dialogue in the Arab States Region, organized by the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in the State of Qatar, will kick off on Monday, with the attendance of around 200 participants from representatives of national human rights institutions, international experts, and academics, in addition to a number of online participants. The two-day inaugural dialogue includes plenary sessions, expert panels, and focus group discussions on various dimensions of business and human rights, including corporate respect for women's rights, children's rights, labour rights, and the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Participants in the dialogue will exchange views on good practices and strategies for addressing regional business-related human rights challenges. This is the first regional dialogue of its kind on business and human rights in Arab countries, focusing on how companies can align their practices with international human rights standards. The event will cover multiple topics, including human rights due diligence in conflict-affected contexts, and human rights due diligence in the context of the triple global crisis. The dialogue provides a platform for affected communities, giving a voice to migrant workers, women, and other groups in vulnerable situations to share their lived experiences and contribute to policy-making, as well as facilitating South-South and South-North cooperation, bringing together regional and international stakeholders to address common human rights challenges. The dialogue also provides unique insights into emerging trends, assisting governments and companies in Arab countries in adapting to mandatory human rights due diligence regulations, with a focus on developing and implementing national action plans on business and human rights, corporate human rights due diligence, including in conflict-affected contexts and environmental dimensions, ensuring access to effective remedies for affected rights holders, and monitoring and reading the regional impacts of emerging business and human rights regulations. The Inaugural Business and Human Rights Dialogue in the Arab States Region is held in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Source: Qatar News Agency