On 7 July 2020, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights launched a new global project, ‘Business and human rights: towards a decade of global implementation’ (UNGPs 10+ / Next Decade BHR), centred around the upcoming tenth anniversary of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Since their adoption, the IBA has supported the implementation of the UNGPs through publications, research projects and training programs. In particular, we have highlighted the role of the legal profession in promoting responsible business practices, in order to prevent, mitigate and address the risks of adverse human rights impacts associated with business activities.

During this session, we will interview Anita Ramasastry, Chair of the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises and we will look at the progress made and at the challenges ahead in scaling up UNGPs’ agenda.

To help in this effort, in June 2020 the BIC commissioned a survey of its members designed to create a snapshot of how Covid-19 has affected them, including the impact on their operations, finances, and the administration of justice in their jurisdictions more broadly.

This session will share the results of that survey in combination with detailed online research, with discussion from panellists on how the information gathered can be used to coordinate more effectively bars and law societies’ shared responses to the coronavirus crisis, and what lessons can be learned for future crises and pandemics. Combining practical advice with international stories and a truly global perspective, the BIC very much hopes its members, and all those interested in these vital issues, will join them for this virtual event.