Regional Consultation for the Americas on International Investment Agreements and Human Rights to support the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights

The United Nations Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises (“Working Group”) will present a report to the United Nations General Assembly in October 2021 to provide practical guidance to states on negotiating human rights-compatible international investment agreements (IIAs) in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Further details regarding the Working Group’s report and ongoing work regarding IIAs and human rights can be found here.

The Working Group is convening several virtual consultations to seek input for its 2021 report. Input is sought from a range of stakeholders including government officials, policymakers, national human rights institutions, international organizations, investors, business associations, arbitrators, trade unions, civil society organizations, academia and rights-holders affected by investment-related projects.

This regional consultation for the Americas was convened by the Working Group and hosted jointly by the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), Universidad Andrés Bello, and Universidad de Monterrey (UDEM). The consultation featured reflections from kick-off speakers and plenary discussions with consultation participants.

The consultation was held on Zoom under the Chatham House Rule. Simultaneous interpretation (English-Spanish) was provided.