Geneva, 3 October 2024— Monique Salerno, Research Coordinator at the Facts and Norms Institute (FNI), recently participated in the Virtual Meeting with Civil Society Organizations during the 39th session of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights.
The meeting, held on October 3, 2024, provided a platform for dialogue on integrating human rights considerations into business practices, particularly within the context of sustainable development and a just energy transition.
A Brazilian lawyer with expertise in international environmental and climate law, human rights, and corporate sustainability, Ms. Salerno joined discussions on issues at the forefront of the human rights and business responsibility field.
Key topics included:
Human Rights and the Energy Transition: The meeting addressed the human rights impacts of the shift towards renewable energy, emphasizing responsible sourcing of materials and the implications for local communities.
Financial Institutions and Human Rights: The crucial role of financial institutions in promoting human rights through their investment decisions was highlighted, along with the necessity for robust human rights due diligence frameworks.
Climate Action and Human Rights: Participants underscored the importance of ensuring climate actions do not compromise human rights, advocating for a just transition that prioritizes equitable treatment for impacted communities.
"The discussions with the UN Working Group reinforced the critical intersection between business practices, human rights, and environmental sustainability," stated Salerno. "It was a valuable opportunity to gain international and regional updates on topics central to my collaboration with the Facts and Norms Institute."
Salerno joined the Facts and Norms Institute in May 2023 and has since played an important role in advancing the organization's mission to promote a human rights-based approach to social issues. Between May and November 2023, she coordinated and co-authored the Institute's Amicus Curiae Memorial submitted to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights addressing the crucial link between human rights and the climate emergency.
The UN Working Group
The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights is a group of independent experts mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to promote the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). The UNGPs are a globally recognized framework for states and businesses to prevent and address adverse human rights impacts linked to business activity. The Working Group plays a critical role in providing guidance, conducting research, and fostering dialogue on business and human rights issues worldwide.
The Facts and Norms Institute
The Facts and Norms Institute is an independent academic institution based in the Global South, with a global network of members. The Institute is dedicated to promoting a rational, human rights-based approach to social issues through education and applied research. The Institute has a strong track record of collaborating with international organizations such the UN and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, providing expert analysis and contributing to the advancement of human rights protection worldwide.
Following the success of its first Winter Course, in partnership with the University of Coimbra, Portugal, the Facts and Norms Institute (FNI) is thrilled to announce its second Winter Course: Legal Theory, International Law and Human Rights.
This exclusive educational opportunity for Portuguese-speakers is a collaboration between FNI and the University of Lisbon taking place from January 7-10, 2025, in the historic city of Lisbon, Portugal.
For more information, please visit https://www.factsandnorms.com/post/fni-and-university-of-lisbon-launch-second-winter-course (in English) and www.factsandnorms.com/curso (in Portuguese).
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