EU Statement – UN General Assembly 3rd Committee: Interactive Dialogue with the Chair of the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, Mr. Robert McCORQUODALE

Chair,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

We thank the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights for its report on the responsibilities of directors and senior executives in large companies. We also thank the Working Group for organising the first Forum on Business and Human Rights for Western Europe, held in Strasbourg in September, as well as the Annual Forum and the regional forums, which remain important multistakeholder spaces to sustain momentum and exchange on practical implementation.

As we mark the 15th anniversary of the UN Guiding Principles and 50 years since the endorsement of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the EU reaffirms its strong commitment to ensuring that business activity goes hand in hand with respect for human rights, including labour rights, and environmental protection.

The EU and its Member States will continue to step up efforts to uphold international law and human rights, including through our trade relations and development cooperation, with particular attention to persons in vulnerable situations. 

We recognise the profound impact that corporate activities can have on individuals and remain committed to ensuring that companies uphold their responsibility to respect human rights. In this regard, EU legislation on corporate sustainability due diligence and on combating forced labour provides an important basis for supporting these efforts and advancing responsible business conduct.

We will continue to promote the effective implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, including the ILO’s Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. We also reaffirm our support for the UN Working Group and remain constructively engaged in discussions towards a consensus-based global instrument on business and human rights.

Mr. McCorouodale, 

Could you share further reflections on the Working Group’s cooperation across the United Nations system, including with the specialised agencies? Where do you see scope for further improvement and how can Member States contribute to enhancing synergies?