Finland proposes an EU agenda for action on business and human rights

Agenda for Action presents more than 20 proposals for measures that could be included in an EU agenda for action on business and human rights. The conference statement was published by Timo Harakka, Finland's Minister of Employment, at the Business and Human Rights conference in Brussels on 2 December.

"Interest in greater corporate social responsibility is growing among citizens, organisations, policy-makers and businesses. The EU, too, needs a more coherent and strategic direction. That is why we propose an EU agenda for action on business and human rights," said Minister Timo Harakka in his closing address.

The conference statement was drawn up by Finland based on discussions at the conference. Among the topics covered in the statement are public funding, reviewing and developing of legislation and judicial remedies, improving the effect of the trade and sustainable development chapters in free trade agreements, and strengthening cooperation in countries with weak governance.

The aim of the conference, organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs as part of Finland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, was to raise business and human rights issues higher on the EU agenda.

The conference was attended by more than 200 people, representing business, civil society organisations, labour market organisations, member states, EU institutions and international organisations.

Outcome Paper: Agenda for Action on Business and Human Rights (PDF, 440 kB, 5 sivua)

Inquiries:

Jenni Karjalainen, Special Adviser to the Minister of Employment, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 40 751 5496

Linda Piirto, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 028, [email protected]

Alva Bruun, Senior Adviser on Development Policy, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 112, [email protected]

Kent Wilska, Commercial Counsellor, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 295 351 522, [email protected]