The Fund for Peace will facilitate a Roundtable for constructive dialogue focused on Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence (hHRDD) in conflict-affected areas, emphasizing how businesses and civil society organizations can work together to manage challenges associated with worsening global conflicts, while observing the standards of international humanitarian law (IHL) and internationally agreed human rights. Specifically, the panel will explore:

How businesses understand their role and responsibilities in respecting human rights and IHL in armed conflict, in order to prevent, mitigate and remedy adverse human rights and conflict-related impacts associated with their business operations, projects and/or relationships.
How businesses can incorporate early warning signs of armed conflict into their assessment processes and adjust their operations and navigate complex stakeholder relationships as conflict evolves.
How hHRDD impacts vulnerable populations—including women, gender minorities, and indigenous communities—and what consultation in the context of ongoing assessments and affording protections requires.
Responsible exit strategies and post-conflict risk monitoring and management.

As the nature of conflict changes, operating environments evolve, and new issues associated with the impact of new technologies emerges, conflict responses must also evolve. Informed by relevant international legal frameworks, soft law instruments, industry/NGO codes, and sector/thematic tools, businesses must continually reassess the scope, scale, and irremediability of human rights impacts (which are more likely to occur, and to be more severe in, conflict-affected areas) with which they are associated, ensuring that their hHRDD processes remain dynamic and responsive to changing risks. By doing so, companies can prioritize their efforts where they are most needed, mitigating harm to affected communities while upholding ethical and responsible business practices.

The panel will be moderated by Emily Holland from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.

Panelists:

Anaïs De Meulder, Shell
Salil Tripathi, Institute for Human Rights and Business
Someone, International Council on Mining and Metals

Featuring insights from industry leaders, civil society, and human rights experts, including as to key regulatory drivers (e.g., the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive) and case law developments, the discussion will provide invaluable cross-sector strategies to ensure companies are not only complying with emerging regulations and expectations, but are also proactively safeguarding communities where possible.

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Launched in 1996, the Human Rights and Business Roundtable (HRBRT) was the first forum designed for multinational businesses, governments, and mainstream human rights organizations to discuss issues of common concern in an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and confidentiality. The HRBRT continues to serve as an invaluable resource for corporations, NGOs, and governments to work together to promote human rights, good corporate practices, and sustainable development.

Beyond Compliance: Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence in Conflict-Affected Areas

Fund for Peace: Human Rights and Business Roundtable