Training on human rights frameworks ends

Islamabad:A two-day training workshop on Business and Human Rights was conducted here. The workshop brought together participants from seven Civil Society Organisations under the PDA framework. The intensive programme aimed to build the capacity of civil society representatives to address human rights challenges in business contexts, ensuring responsible business practices that respect human rights.

The workshop was facilitated by Mathieu Vervynckt, Head of Unit Value Chains, and Ase Botha, Communications Officer at Swedwatch. The training combined foundational theories with practical case studies, covering key topics such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), OECD principles and frameworks, and Pakistan’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

The discussions highlighted the relevance of these frameworks in promoting responsible business conduct that aligns with international standards. The workshop, Organised by AwazCDS-Pakistan in partnership with Swedwatch. The facilitators emphasised the need for states to implement and monitor these principles effectively while urging buyers and corporations to uphold human rights within their supply chains. The participants engaged in meaningful dialogue on labor rights fulfillment and the role of businesses in ensuring ethical practices.

The workshop, underscored the importance of aligning with the European Union’s mandatory requirements and guidelines for business operations in Pakistan. Participants noted that the government must play a proactive role in sensitizing all relevant stakeholders about these EU guidelines and ensuring compliance. Strengthened systems for monitoring and surveillance were recommended to enhance transparency and accountability within businesses operating in Pakistan.

Zia ur Rehman, chief executive of AwazCDS-Pakistan, has expressed his appreciation for the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights introduced by the Ministry of Human Rights in Pakistan. He commended the government for introducing meaningful interventions that not only support the business community in Pakistan but also respect labor and workers’ rights. However, Rehman also highlighted that the implementation of the National Action Plan remains weak and that many relevant stakeholders are still unaware of its provisions. He stressed the need for this plan to align with the European Union’s mandatory due diligence requirements for business operations because such steps are crucial for fostering businesses and eliminating poverty and unemployment in Pakistan.