Business & Human Rights

Northern Ireland Business & Human Rights​

The Northern Ireland Business and Human Rights Forum was established in 2015.

It is a multi-stakeholder platform which allows Government, business, and civil society to engage on business and human rights.

Our work is directed by its members with reference to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

It is an open forum to discuss human rights issues in relation to business in Northern Ireland and share good practice.

Forum meetings are three times each year and hosted by members of the forum.

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission provides the forum’s Secretariat and chaired the Forum for its first year.

The current Chair of the Forum is Stephen Abram, Associate at A&L Goodbody, while the Vice-Chair is Barbara Henry, HR Policy and Compliance Manager at Caterpillar.

We are a part of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions and Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions Business and Human Rights Working Groups.

The Northern Ireland Business and Human Rights Forum has produced a human rights policy statement which reflects the values of the forum. It is open for all to sign up to, but this is not a pre-requisite of joining the forum or attending forum meetings.

We have produced a Guide for Businesses in Northern Ireland on Business and Human Rights.

The Forum’s last meeting took place in October 2021 and we were joined by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Environment, Dr. David Boyd, for a presentation - "The Climate Crisis is a Human Rights Crisis" followed by a Q and A session.

Our next meeting takes place on 23^rd February 2022 and will discuss the Department of Finance’s Procurement Policy Note and how businesses can ensure adherence to human rights in business procurement.

Later in the year, the Forum hopes to discuss issues around Modern Day Slavery and Sustainable Development Goals.

Contact

If you have any questions, suggestions on what issues could inform the work of Forum or if you and your business would like to join, please contact us at info@nihrc.org