Dear Members and Partners,

The IOE has submitted a second response on the UN Treaty "elements" document (in English, French and Spanish) for a draft legally binding instrument on transnational corporations (TNCs) and other business enterprises (OBEs) with respect to human rights.

This follows an invitation from OHCHR for additional comments and proposals, which was largely intended to encourage States to respond (however, apparently only a handful of governments are expected to make a submission).

Click on the link in the side panel to read the IOE's February 2018 follow-up response to the IGWG "elements" document. You can also click here to read the IOE's first response of October 2017, which was submitted jointly with BIAC, ICC and FTA. The two submissions should be read together.

Requested action of IOE members:

Please lobby your respective Government representative responsible for human rights and UN engagement (as well as other relevant ministries) on the IOE's position as expressed in both our submissions of October 2017 and February 2018.

As part of your lobby efforts:

1. Explain the IOE's firm opposition to the IGWG "elements" paper and the huge risk that the document poses to the global consensus on business and human rights.
   
   
2. Also urge the Government to call for the IGWG:
   • To focus its efforts on clarifying the many questions raised by States, CSOs and business and re-considering the many unhelpful proposals raised by the "elements" paper instead of rushing to develop a draft treaty.
   • To formally consult with the UN Human Rights Council on the terms of reference for its future sessions.
   • To offer more meaningful opportunities to consult with business and to take better notice of business's concerns and views.

For more information and background, please refer to the links in the side panel.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Hall

Adviser