Australia: Report recommends action to prevent human rights harms in business sector

The Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has called on the Australian Government, businesses and institutional investors to take more action to prevent business-related human rights harms. 

At the Crossroads: 10 years of implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Australia, a new report from the AHRC and the Australian Human Rights Institute, examines the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in Australia. 

“The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are the recognised global standard for States and business around preventing and addressing business-related human rights harms,” said Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher AM, President of the AHRC. 

“These principles were unanimously endorsed by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2011. The Australian Government co-sponsored this resolution at the United Nations.” 

June 2021 marked the 10-year anniversary of the unanimous adoption of the UNGPs by the United Nations Human Rights Council. These principles, which set expectations for governments and businesses are increasingly being incorporated into law, policy and business practice and standards globally. 

Professor Justine Nolan, Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute said: “Australian businesses and government must walk the talk and accept the need to remediate harms so that there is accountability for business related impacts wherever they occur. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the inequalities at the heart of the global economic system and has pushed those that power our global supply chains into further precarity. The pandemic has highlighted the need for stronger social safeguards and a people-centred approach to business.” 

“There is still a significant gap in translating human rights policies into practice," Professor Croucher said. 

“While the report highlights some key areas of progress, including the introduction of modern slavery reporting laws and the strengthening of Australia’s OECD National Contact Point complaint mechanism, much work remains to be done.” 

The report considers a range of key human rights issues in the Australian business context, including combating modern slavery, addressing the adverse human rights impacts of climate change, respecting the land rights of First Nations Peoples and ensuring victims have access to remedy. The report also considers the key role of institutional investors in driving business respect for human rights in the market. 

Date: 23 September 2021 

Source: Australian Human Rights Commission