Investors and Human Rights (Assembly Hall) Forum…

With over 50 active conflicts worldwide and challenges including a growing demand for transition minerals to fuel the green economy, weak labour protections, and attacks on human rights defenders, financial institutions are increasingly operating in high-risk and fragile environments. These contexts pose significant challenges to human rights, from displacement and labor exploitation to environmental degradation and lack of access to remedy. These challenges are compounded by a lack of timely and accurate data from conflict-affected contexts. Investors having and promoting access to remedy for rightsholders is also crucial in each of these contexts. 
Given these risks, rights-respecting investment is essential. Whether in conflict-affected zones or mineral-rich regions, investors have the potential to drive positive change by aligning their practices with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), including by conducting heightened human rights due diligence on their investments and/or using their leverage. This also includes evaluating company practices and risks related to human rights and encouraging corporations to conduct heightened human rights due diligence (hHRDD), ensuring stakeholder engagement, promoting transparency, and supporting effective grievance mechanisms. As the financial sector navigates these complex landscapes, it must strengthen its approach to promoting   the protection of human rights within the investment ecosystem. 

Moderators: Sinisa Milatovic Speakers: Leo Lou, Mary Beth Gallagher, Clara Pacce Pinto Serva, Kristel M. Tonstad