Press Releases

Tackling Corporate Complicity:Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights
Tackling Corporate Complicity:Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights

PR/EN/271016/48

BADIL participated in the second session of the intergovernmental Working Group on Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights which took place from 24-26 October 2016. BADIL, jointly with Al-Haq, and Al-Mezan, called to intensify the efforts of the Working Group in moving towards a legally-binding instrument to ensure the adherence of corporate entities to internationally-recognized human rights standards.

In their joint statement, BADIL, Al-Haq and Al-Mezan confirmed that the unavailable or inadequate mechanisms for corporate accountability are one of the biggest challenges faced by people and communities in the conflict-affected areas. This challenge is very apparent in the case of Palestine where corporations are currently involved in ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity such as apartheid, forced displacement of Palestinians from their territory, and the transfer of Israeli civilians into occupied Palestinian territory (colonization).

The statement pointed out the necessity to develop a binding legal instrument. It emphasized that such treaty must prevent corporations from taking part or benefiting from serious international crimes, and ensures that States are requiring compliance of corporations with international humanitarian law when operating in conflict-affected areas.

Until such measures enjoy widespread recognition and implementation, with the result that corporate practices and policies are rooted in fair and just legal frameworks, BADIL will continue its advocacy efforts in this crucial area.