National Human Rights Commission of Korea decided in Standing Committee on 20 July to express its opinion to the Prime Minister to receive diverse opinion from stakeholders pursuant to the recommendations of NHRCK and the UN Guidance on NAP on Business and Human Rights and immediately establish an NAP on Business and Human Rights.
On July 25 2016, NHRCK recommended for establishment of 2017-2021 NAP and a separate NAP on Business and Human Rights, and both are not established yet.
On the contrary, 14 advanced nations including the UK, US, Germany and France already established NAPs on Business and Human Rights separated from NAPs on general human rights. In addition, 22 governments including Japan declared their plan for establishment of NAPs on Business and Human Rights. As such, it has become an international trends to set up a separated NAP on business and human rights.
Meanwhile, the UN Committee on International Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights adopted General Comment No. 24 which includes provisions on prohibition of all forms of discrimination related to business activities, duty to respect, protect and fulfil rights, extraterritorial obligation and state’s responsibility for remedy and implementation.
In addition, on July 8, after the G20 Summit, heads of states including President Moon Jae In declared their efforts to establish NAPs on Business and Human Rights in order to realize a world with inclusiveness, fairness and sustainability.
Under these circumstances, NHRCK expressed its opinion to establish a NAP on Business and Human Rights in order to implement the declaration at the G20 Summit and achieve sustainable development and strengthening of global competitiveness of enterprises. NHRCK expects for establishment of NAP on general human rights in the nearest future as well.
