Brief description of the session: This session led by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights aims to take a ‘deep dive’ on the issue of human rights due diligence in practice in the banking sector. Specifically it will provide an opportunity to highlight:
the current state of play of how commercial banks are meeting the requirements set out in the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
how some banks are conducting human rights due diligence against specific human rights impacts with which they may be involved through lending activities
key considerations for ensuring that the human rights due diligence concept in line with the Guiding Principles and the recent OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct is integrated in the forthcoming revision of the Equator Principles and other frameworks for responsible banking practice
Independent advisor, experienced academic and practitioner, and expert trainer on business and human rights to companies, NGOs, governments, industry associations, and international organizations.
I coordinate BankTrack's human rights work. In the last year we've published two briefing papers: "How banks contribute to human rights abuses" and "Developing effective Grievance Mechanisms in the Banking Sector". Check them out at www.banktrack.org/publications. I also engage with... Read More →
Senior Environmental and Social Officer at the Dutch Development Bank, currently working at the Energy Department, where my main role is assessing potential and existing's clients direct investments in terms of their environmental and social risks and impacts and with them develop... Read More →
Member, UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights
Ms. Anita Ramasastry is the Roland L. Hjorth Professor of Law and the Director of the Graduate Program in Sustainable International Development at the University of Washington School Of Law. She researches and teaches in the fields of law and development, anti-corruption, international... Read More →