"The role of National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights in protecting human rights defenders", 15 Nov 2014

For human rights defenders who work on issues of corporate accountability and related issues, NAPs are essential. Through the development of NAPs, States can identify areas in which gaps in the existing law may put human rights defenders at risk or not offer adequate protection and then commit to addressing these. NAPs also provide an opportunity for civil society to hold States accountable for their existing policies and programs to protect and support human rights defenders, as well as for States’ future plans to supplement those policies and programs in order to address violations committed against human rights defenders working on business and human rights issues. When developing NAPs, States should pay careful attention to both the process and content of the NAP to ensure maximum effectiveness...