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Government commits to business and human rights consultation
Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) has successfully encouraged the government to consider adopting a national policy on business and human rights.
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The Australian Government has formally indicated that it will undertake a national consultation on the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights during 2016.
NAPs are policy commitments that reflect the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, a resolution that was co-sponsored by Australia in 2011.
Forty nations around the world have launched or initiated NAPs, including the UK, Germany and the US, according to ALHR.
ALHR submitted a policy paper last month calling on the government to begin a multi-stakeholder consultation process.
Amy Sinclair, the chair of ALHR's business and human rights group, said the government’s commitment indicates a willingness to engage seriously on business and human rights.
"It is hoped that a clear intention to develop a National Action Plan for Australia will emerge from these consultations," she said.
However, she warned that a diverse range of stakeholders must be consulted for there to be an effective result.
“The voices of all stakeholders must be included – not just those representing powerful business interests but also vulnerable and disempowered members of society," said Ms Sinclair.