Global Witness event at 2014 United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights
16:15 – 17:45
Location: Palais des Nations, Room IX
China is home to nearly a fifth of the world’s population and has the world’s second largest economy. Consequently how the Chinese government responds to the business and human rights agenda is of critical importance to the whole world.
Moreover, Chinese overseas investment has risen exponentially over the past decade. Whether or not Chinese investment will be a force for positive change overseas will be determined by the investment practices and standards that Chinese firms and their local partners follow.
This session presents examples of how Chinese government policy and corporate practice are evolving with respect to business and human rights and the multiple factors behind the changes. Cases will be presented from the private and state sectors as well as the domestic and overseas arenas. Particular focus will be given to new Chinese Chamber of Commerce guidelines for overseas mining operators and their potential value to shape the behaviour of companies when sourcing from conflict-affected and high-risk environments.
Convenor and Moderator: Lizzie Parsons, Senior Advisor, Global Witness
+44 7808 761 572, [email protected]
Speakers:
- Malin Oud, Tracktwo and Liang Xiaohui, China National Textile and Apparel Council and Peking University (presentation can be seen here*)
- Mr Sun Lihui, Chinese Chamber of Commerce for Minerals, Metals and Chemicals Importers and Exporters (Guideline presented can be accessed here*)
- Lizzie Parsons, Global Witness (presentation can be seen here)
- Barbara Bijelic, OECD
- Tricia Feeney, Rights and Accountability in Development
- Eniko Horvath, Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (Report presented can be accessed here in English and here in Chinese*)
- Bennett Freeman, Calvert Investments
The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion
* Global Witness is not responsible for external websites or presentation material.