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

GHRP Ai for Good Workshop News

Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Human Rights Monitoring: Key Takeaways from the AI for Good Workshop

22 July 2025

Our event brought together human rights practitioners, data scientists, and AI experts to explore how artificial intelligence can support efforts to monitor human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read more

GHRP EU News News

Bridging Geneva and Europe: advancing human rights in the digital age

2 June 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform has taken its work on strengthening the international human rights system to the heart of European policymaking.

Read more

Special Rapporteur Sign Event

Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in an Era of Escalating Armed Conflict: Where Can International Human Rights Law Help?

25 September 2025, 18:30-20:00

This evening dialogue will present the publication: International Human Rights Law: A Treatise, Cambridge University Press (2025).

Read more

Enforced Disappearances Event

'Short-term' Enforced Disappearances

23 September 2025, 13:00-14:00

This side event will bring together stakeholders to discuss the growing concerning recurrence to short-term enforced disappearances worldwide, and the challenges they pose for victims and accountability.

Read more

A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

10-14 November 2025

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

Read more

A session of the UN Human Rights Council Project

IHL Expert Pool

Started in January 2022

The IHL-EP works to strengthen the capacity of human rights mechanisms to incorporate IHL into their work in an efficacious and comprehensive manner. By so doing, it aims to address the normative and practical challenges that human rights bodies encounter when dealing with cases in which IHL applies.

Read more

Panel Discussion: Project

Treaty Body Members’ Platform

Started in January 2014

The Treaty Body Members’ Platform connects experts in UN treaty bodies with each other as well as with Geneva-based practitioners, academics and diplomats to share expertise, exchange views on topical questions and develop synergies.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more