17 December, 2024As the tenth round of negotiations for a binding UN treaty on corporate accountability resumes this week, IndustriALL Global Union, together with the ITUC and other global unions, call for decisive action to deliver justice and accountability for workers across global supply chains.
The open-ended intergovernmental working group on transitional corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, was established in 2014. It's mandate is to develop an international legally binding instrument to regulate, in international human rights law, activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises.
The proposed treaty, under discussion for nearly a decade, aims to close glaring gaps in international human rights law and end corporate impunity. Despite its significance, progress has stalled. The tenth round of negotiations, initially delayed, now presents a critical opportunity to move forward.
“Workers cannot wait any longer. A treaty to hold corporations accountable is essential to ensure justice, protect rights, and restore balance in the global economy,”
says Kemal Özkan, IndustriALL assistant general secretary.
In a joint effort, global unions and civil society organizations reiterate the need for a transparent and inclusive process that prioritises the voices of working people.
Trade union priorities for the treaty include:
- Broad scope: inclusion of all internationally recognised human rights, including fundamental workers’ rights.
- Comprehensive coverage: inclusion of all business enterprises, irrespective of size or sector.
- Extraterritorial regulation: access to justice for victims of transnational corporate human rights violations.
- Human rights due diligence: mandatory policies and procedures for businesses.
- Corporate accountability: clear obligations for corporations under human rights law.
- International enforcement: a robust global monitoring and enforcement mechanism.
“The tenth round of negotiations for a UN binding treaty is at a critical stage. We need international binding rules on justice for workers and people, as well as accountability and responsibility for business. It is time to act together for a strong treaty,”
says Kemal Özkan.