PBI presents to UN Working Group on human rights and transnational corporations

On June 22, Kim-Mai Vu of Peace Brigades International presented to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland during the Interactive Dialogue with the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises.

She stated:

“PBI welcomes the report of the Working Group on human rights violations business-related human rights that occurred in the context of the pandemic.

Honduras

In Honduras, attacks by private guards and criminalization processes hinder the defense of the environment against megaprojects, as in the cases of Guapinol and OFRANEH. We observed inconsistencies in the execution of queries prior to indigenous peoples, despite the ratification of ILO Convention 169. The Decree PCM-030-2020, approved in the midst of a pandemic, sharpens the pressure on the land by prioritizing the agro-industrial sector. Several extractive companies that violate human rights receive international funding. The signature and ratification of the Escazú Agreement, on the other hand, could contribute to improvements in the protection of environmental defenders.

Colombia

Colombia is among the most dangerous countries for human rights defenders people related to companies. The measures by COVID 19 have exacerbated violence in the territories and structural inequalities. Between January and May 2022, there were 11 murders and 8 attacks against human rights defenders who denounce crimes and links between extractivist companies and armed actors, affecting especially women and ethnic population (indigenous and Afro-Colombian). Urgent and efficient protection for defenders of land and territory, including advances in legal investigations on the responsibilities of companies and masterminds of crimes in FTA zones (Free Trade Agreements) and mining and oil megaprojects.

Thank you very much, Mr. President.“

The video of Kim-Mai’s presentation can be seen here (starting at 1:29:08).