G7 leaders indicate support for the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the role of National Action Plans (NAPs) in a statement released following their annual Summit on 7 and 8 June 2015, hosted by Germany under their presidency of the G7. Notably, the leaders call for the private sector to implement human rights due diligence in the context of their discussions on responsible supply chains. Women’s economic empowerment featured on the G7 agenda, and the declaration also signals support for the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and calls on companies worldwide to integrate these principles into their activities.
The statement notes:
‘We strongly support the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and welcome the efforts to set up substantive National Action Plans. In line with the UN Guiding Principles, we urge private sector implementation of human rights due diligence. We will take action to promote better working conditions by increasing transparency, promoting identification and prevention of risks and strengthening complaint mechanisms. We recognize the joint responsibility of governments and business to foster sustainable supply chains and encourage best practices.’
‘The private sector also has a vital role in creating an environment in which women can more meaningfully participate in the economy. We therefore support the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and call on companies worldwide to integrate them into their activities. We will coordinate our efforts through a new G7 working group on women.’
To access the full statement visit: https://www.g7germany.de/Content/EN/_Anlagen/G7/2015-06-08-g7-abschluss-eng_en.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=1