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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, will today (Thursday) launch new guidance human rights for business enterprises.  The guidance was developed by a multi-stakeholder group as part of the implementation of the National Plan on Business and Human Rights.

Speaking in advance of the launch, Minister Coveney said:

“While business enterprises are, in general, a force for good around the world, there are cases where businesses may impact human rights.  These impacts may be through direct activities or through business relationships - in other words - through operations and the value chain.  

“This new guidance sets out what the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are asking of business enterprises.  It provide links to a range of resources that will help businesses to implement those Guiding Principles.”

Business leader, Breege O’Donoghue, who chairs the multi-stakeholder implementation group for the National Plan on Business and Human Rights said:

“Significant legislative developments in the area of sustainable corporate governance are taking place at EU level and it is essential that businesses familiarise themselves with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and implement best practice in their operations.  

“I am urging Irish businesses to consult this new guidance and to avail of the workshops that have been organised to coincide with this new initiative.”

The launch will be followed by a practical workshop for businesses, organised by the Trinity Centre for Social Innovation, in partnership with The Global Business Initiative on Human Rights.  A further workshop will take place in May.

ENDS

Press Office

Note to Editors

The new Guidance on Business and Human Rights for Business Enterprises is available here

The guidance was developed under the National Plan on Business and Human Rights 2017-2020 which seeks to give effect to aspects of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (2011)

The forthcoming EU legislative initiative on sustainable corporate government referenced is available here

Information about the practical workshop for businesses (and, in due course further workshops), is available here

The new Guidance was developed under the auspices of a multi-stakeholder group, the Implementation Group for the National Plan on Business and Human Rights.  The Implementation Group has representatives of business, government and civil society and is chaired by Breege O’Donoghue. See full list below.

Membership of the Implementation Group for the National Plan on Business and Human Rights: