Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings

Consultation on business in conflict and post-conflict settings Consultation on business in conflict and post-conflict settings

3 December 2018

We co-organized on 29 November 2018 with the BCHR-network a consultation for the United Nations (UN) Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UN Working Group) to inform their new project on business in conflict and post-conflict settings.

This UN Working Group’s new project will look at the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in conflict and post-conflict settings by identifying and clarifying policy options and best practices for states and businesses along the conflict cycle. Following research and consultations throughout 2019, the results and recommendations will be presented at the Human Rights Council in June 2020.

Anita Ramasastry, a member of the UN Working Group, presented this project and discussed with some 45 international experts the research components and potential contributions that may help inform the project.

Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Conflict and Post Conflict Settings bis

Sharing the Geneva Academy’s Expertise

The Geneva Academy will provide inputs and guidance to the UN Working Group on the implementation of the UNGPs in conflict and post-conflict settings.

‘This new project is an opportunity for us to share our work and expertise in the classification of armed conflicts and in the human rights obligations of non-state actors and therefore contribute to addressing the issue of business in conflict and post-conflict settings’ stresses Felix Kirchmeier, Coordinator of the Geneva Human Rights Platform.

‘Our expertise in transitional justice could also help the UN Working Group to look at the role of business throughout the entire conflict cycle’ he adds.

Building on Previous Collaboration

The Geneva Academy already collaborates with the UN Working Group on the gender dimension of the UNGPs.

‘It’s important for us to accompany the UN Working Group when it addresses issues that are in our areas of expertise, like we do now on gender and will do with this new project on business in conflict and post-conflict settings’ explains Felix Kirchmeier.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

web of information News

New Research Brief Examines the Relationship Between Digital Technologies and Their Misuse in Surveillance, Cyberattacks, and Disinformation Campaigns

21 February 2025

Our new research brief examines the complex relationship between digital technologies and their misuse in surveillance, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.

Read more

neurodata graphics News

New Research Brief Evaluates the Effectiveness of GDPR in Mitigating Risks Associated with the Distinctive Nature of Neurodata

21 January 2025

Our recent research brief, Neurodata: Navigating GDPR and AI Act Compliance in the Context of Neurotechnology, examines how effectively GDPR addresses the unique risks posed by neurodata.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

Event

Strengths and Challenges of Inter-State Applications Before the European Court of Human Rights

12 May 2025, 18:30-20:00

In this Geneva Academy Talk Judge Lətif Hüseynov will discuss the challenges of inter-State cases under the ECHR, especially amid rising conflict-related applications.

Read more

Training

Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues

1-8 September 2025

Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

Read more

Asian workers working at technology production factory with industrial machines Training

Business and Human Rights

19-23 May 2025

This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.

Read more

Un plate with Rapporteur Spécial written on it Project

Support to UN Special Procedures

Started in June 2020

Read more

Project

Follow-up Review Pilot Series

Started in November 2021

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 25: Localizing Multilateralism

published on March 2025

Domenico Zipoli, Ludovica Chiussi Curzi, Kamelia Kemileva

Read more

Cover page of the working paper Publication

AI Decoded: Key Concepts and Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring

published on January 2025

Milica Mirkovic, Jennifer Victoria Scurrell

Read more