Civic freedom and human rights defenders: what is the role of the business sector?

Monday 1 April 2019

13:15 -17:00

Microsoft center, Rue Montoyer 51, Brussels

The event will explore why and how companies should support civic freedoms, civil society and human rights defenders around the world, drawing upon the report “Shared Space Under Pressure: Business Support for Civic Freedoms and Human Rights Defenders”, commissioned by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre and the International Service for Human Rights. The speakers will address the normative responsibility for companies to act in certain circumstances; the business case and the moral choice that should also inform company action. Recent examples of company action will be highlighted across many geographic contexts and sectors, as well as remaining challenges and opportunities for companies. Speakers will include EU and UN officials; company and NGO representatives plus the authors of the report.

Agenda:

13:15 - 14:00 Registration & Lunch
14:00 - 14:05 Welcome
14:05 - 14:25 Presentation of the report "Shared Space Under Pressure"
14:25 - 15:10 Panel: Business support for civic freedoms and human rights defenders Progress to date
15:10 - 15:55 Panel: Business support for civic freedoms and human rights defenders Challenges and Opportunities
16:00 - 17:00 Networking reception

To register please RSVP here.