The Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group that is negotiating a Binding Treaty on transnational corporations and human rights at the United Nations Human Rights Council ended its sixth round of negotiations on 30 October in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to the social movements and organizations from all continents that are working for its adoption, the Binding Treaty [1] should seek to ensure access to justice for the communities affected by human rights violations, in addition to making transnational corporations accountable when these rights are violated and convicting them in order to stop corporate impunity.
In a final summary statement [2] delivered on the last day of negotiations, the Global Campaign to Reclaim Peoples Sovereignty, Dismantle Corporate Power and Stop Impunity [3] that is working on the Treaty and participating in the official negotiations since the process began in 2014 reaffirmed:
“In the context of major difficulties and challenges, the Global Campaign reaffirms its faith in this process. Despite all the challenges we face, we have shown – through our commitment and numerous participation – that we remain fully convinced that this legally binding instrument is needed to bring justice to affected people and to put an end to the impunity of transnational corporations. The process is at a critical stage, with many threats looming on the horizon. Therefore, we provide our proposals and opinions to restore the vitality of this historic process and renew the commitment of delegations and civil society alike to achieving a successful, long-lasting treaty to finally address corporate impunity.”
Real World Radio is now presenting a special show, a roundtable to assess the sixth round of negotiations for the Binding Treaty on Transnational Corporations and Human Rights, with the participation of members from several organizations that are part of the Global Campaign to Reclaim Peoples Sovereignty, Dismantle Corporate Power and Stop Impunity:
-Gonzalo Berrón, from the Transnational Institute (TNI [4])
-Juliette Renaud, from Friends of the Earth France [5] and Friends of the Earth Europe [6]
-Erika Mendes, from Friends of the Earth Mozambique [7] and Friends of the Earth Africa [8]