Amman: Ali Ahmed Al Derazi, President of the National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR), participated in the opening session of the Third Arab Forum on Business and Human Rights, hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The event was themed "Advancing Responsible Business Conduct: Human Rights at the Core of Sustainable Development in the Arab States."
According to Bahrain News Agency, Al Derazi joined the forum in his role as Chairman of the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions. In his opening remarks, he highlighted that respect for human rights has evolved beyond an ethical consideration to become a vital component of sustainable development, responsible investment, and effective governance. He emphasized that achieving sustainable economic growth is impossible without upholding human dignity and fundamental rights.
Al Derazi pointed out that earlier Arab dialogues on business and human rights had played a significant role in enhancing cooperation and knowledge exchange. These efforts have led to key recommendations urging the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the formulation of national action plans through multi-stakeholder engagement, and the strengthening of legislative and policy frameworks that protect human rights.
He further stressed the necessity for companies to adopt robust human rights due diligence policies, evaluate the impact of their operations, and address potential violations in accordance with international standards. Al Derazi expressed the Arab Network's hope that the forum would bolster regional cooperation, facilitate the sharing of best practices, and generate actionable recommendations to foster a business environment that respects human rights and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The forum convenes representatives from governments, national human rights institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, and regional and international organizations to deliberate on critical business and human rights issues in the Arab region.
The event is organized by the National Centre for Human Rights in Jordan in collaboration with several regional and international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, in partnership with the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights.