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Land, Corruption, & Human Rights: A Roundtable Discussion on the Human Rights Implications of Large-Scale Land Investments and Constructive Responses
Monday, 16 November 4:40-6:00
UN Palais des Nations, Room XXIV
...Discussants will explore the practical challenges hindering implementation of legal frameworks and guidelines relating to land investment, as well as the due diligence obligations of investors such as, seeking information about the state of the land they seek to lease or buy, consulting affected communities, and providing or supporting access to remedy. Focusing on constructive responses, discussants will bring examples of good practice that demonstrate investor responsibility, meaningful engagement with local communities, and the potential these provide “win-‐win” outcomes for civil society, business, and government.
Format
- Welcome and Introductory Remarks (5 min.)
- Overview of the adverse human rights implications of large-‐scale land investments (10 min.)
- Presentation of preliminary findings and initial reflections from ICAR, Global Witness, and Oxfam’s draft report
- Multi-‐Stakeholder Panel (35 min.)
- Guiding Questions:
- What are the practical challenges hindering implementation of legal frameworks and guidelines relating to land investment?
- What is the role of corruption in large-‐scale land deals, and what can be done to address this more effectively?
- How are companies engaging in due diligence with respect to land rights? Does such due diligence adequately address corruption-‐related risks? How can the home States of these companies enforce and strengthen these due diligence obligations?
- What are the most effective approaches to support constructive, multi-‐stakeholder engagement?
- Is the collaboration between host States and home States sufficient to combat bribery or should further steps be taken to strengthen such cooperation? What is the role of the private sector in this regard?
- Open Floor Discussion (25 min.)
- Concluding Remarks (5 min.)
Contact Information
- Sara Blackwell, Legal & Policy Coordinator, ICAR, +1.202.296.2026, [email protected]
- Diane Hendrick, Representative, Peace and Disarmament, QUNO, 022.748.4812, [email protected]