HRC50 - NB8 statement - ID w Working Group on Business and Human Rights

Human Rights Council – 50th session

Interactive dialogue with the Working Group on Business and Human Rights

Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries

21 June 2022

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and my own country Finland. We thank the Working Group for the report.

During the COVID-19 pandemic labour rights violations and abuses have intensified around the world. Workers lower down the supply chain, particularly women, migrant workers and those employed in the informal economy, have been among the worst hit. We support the Working Group’s recommendations on enforcing labour and employment laws and regulations as well as ensuring protection against human rights harm by businesses.

The attacks on human rights defenders and trade unionists are alarming. Every effort must be made to protect freedom of expression, association and collective bargaining.

We welcome the best practices in the report, including on the use of digital technologies for more effective due diligence.

Honourable Members of the Working Group, how can we ensure that those in vulnerable situations, including indigenous peoples, are protected from human rights violations and abuses in future crises?