CO-ORGANIZERS
ABOUT
On 28-29 October 2024 in Doha (Qatar) and online, Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee, Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, United Nations Development Programme, and United Nations Children's Fund will convene representatives of governments, businesses, civil society and labour organizations, National Human Rights Institutions, environmental and human rights defenders, media, academia, the UN, and other stakeholders from 20 Members of the League of Arab States* for the Inaugural Business and Human Rights Dialogue in the Arab States Region.
TOPICS IN FOCUS
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OBJECTIVES
01.
Raise awareness of governments’ duties and businesses’ responsibilities under the UNGPs
02.
Raise awareness of the global trends in the implementation of the UNGPs
03.
Take stock of the challenges and opportunities for promoting responsible business practices in the Arab States Region and generate recommendations for the acceleration of progress in this regard
04.
Establish a standing multi-stakeholder network to facilitate cross-sectoral and cross-industry exchanges, peer learning, and collaborations on business and human rights
05.
Provide a safe space for affected rights-holders to voice concerns about the adverse impacts of irresponsible business practices on their rights and to contribute to decision-making
06.
Promote and tailor global tools for business in the Arab States Region on heightened human rights due diligence in conflict-affected contexts and human rights due diligence with environmental dimensions, and identify stakeholders interested in piloting them
AGENDA
DAY 1 | 28 October 2024
Registration and Welcome Tea/Coffee
HIGH-LEVEL WELCOME
And a Group Photo Session
Tea/Coffee Break
CHARTING THE COURSE
"Business and Human Rights in the Arab States Region: Priorities and Actions"
PANEL 1 | STATES’ DUTY TO PROTECT
"Towards a conducive business and human rights regulatory environment in the Arab States Region"
PANEL 2 | CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY TO RESPECT
"Towards human rights-informed business operations and partnerships"
Networking Lunch
PANEL 3 | ACCESS TO REMEDIES
"Towards people-centered remediation mechanisms and processes"
Tea/Coffee Break
“WAY FORWARD” CLOSING PLENARY
Tea/Coffee Break
AGENDA
DAY 2 | 29 October 2024 (in person participation only)
SIDE SESSION 2A
MEETING FOR STATES
"Global and regional good practices and lessons learn in developing National Action Plans on business and human rights"
SIDE SESSION 2B
MEETING FOR CSOs
"Role of the civil society in ensuring corporate respect for human rights in the Arab States Region"
Tea/Coffee Break
SIDE SESSION 1A
MEETING FOR BUSINESSES
"Corporate responsibility to carry out human rights due diligence with environmental dimensions: Why? What? How?"
SIDE SESSION 1B
MEETING FOR NHRIs
"Role of NHRIs in ensuring corporate respect for human rights and supporting (potentially) affected rights-holders in the Arab States Region"
CLOSING PLENARY
SIDE SESSIONS OUTCOMES
LOGISTICS
01.
In-Person Participation
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Travel
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Visa
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Accommodation
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Catering
02.
Online Participation:​
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Zoom Link
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Engagement
03.
Languages:
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Simultaneous interpretation
04.
Security:
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UN requrements
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Emergency numbers
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Zero tolerance to PSEAH
05.
Other:
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Dress code
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Time zone
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Cultural sensitivity
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Electricity supply
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Lost and found
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Etc.
VENUE LOCATION
The Inaugural Dialogue will take place at the Pullman Doha West Bay Hotel.
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Only participants registered and approved for in-person participation will be allowed.
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Every participant of the Inaugural Dialogue - both in person and online - has the right to unhindered access to and communication with international bodies, including the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, and the right to participate safely in the Inaugural Dialogue.
Any act of intimidation or reprisals for cooperation with the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights and participation in the Inaugural Dialogue should be promptly reported to OHCHR at:
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REPORT INTIMIDATION AND REPRISALS
* The Inaugural Dialogue will target 20/22 members of the League of Arab States. Comoros and Mauritania are covered by the African Business and Human Rights Forum.