The Forum was followed by a resolution of the European Parliament to
the Philippines on 8 June 2016 to ensure effective implementation of all core
international conventions relating to human and labor rights. The resolution
called for continuing progress in the promotion of human rights – including
the publication of the National Action Plan (NAP) for Human Rights – and
implementation of the UNGP on Business and Human Rights. The resolution
focused attention on the repression of activists peacefully campaigning for
the protection of their ancestral lands from the harmful impacts of mining and
deforestation. It also concentrated on the inhuman working conditions of many
Filipino seamen, calling on European Union (EU) member-States to bar vessels
from European ports when working conditions contravene labor rights and the
EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
More recently, on 11 March 2017, a two-day international workshop on
“Business, Human Rights and Access to Justice” was held in the Philippines. The
multi-stakeholder workshop, led by the Philippine CHR, involved delegates from
China, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Mongolia, Philippines, and other United Nation (UN)
agencies, including representatives from National Human Rights Institutions
(NHRIs), civil society organizations (CSOs), academe, and other international
organizations.
As a follow-up to the international workshop, a “National Dialogue on the
United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights” was convened
on 10 January 2018 in the Philippines. The conference sought to update country
stakeholders on the activities of the CHR to build awareness on the UNGP BHR
and identify mechanisms to address business-related human rights issues. The
struggle of underprivileged communities to retain control of their land in the
face of expanding business interests was also highlighted, and the conference
participants emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder consultation in the
development of the NAP on Business and Human Rights.
During the “Stakeholders’ Consultation on the Philippine Action Plan on
Business and Human Rights” held on 11 May 2018, the discussion on the UNGP BHR
was expanded to a wider range of government and civil society organizations.
The CHR also solicited feedback from the stakeholders on how the UNGP BHR
can be further actualized in specific contexts. One major concern raised by the
consultation participants was the inadequate involvement of the business sector
in the conversations thus far.
ANGOC and KPA
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