View the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights
Development
Main Coordinating Authority
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
Drafting Process
The drafting took place within the framework of the Inter-ministerial Committee on Human Rights and on the basis of an in-depth dialogue with private sector, non-governmental actors, and civil society. The four national human rights institutions were also consulted.
The first phase of the development of the NAP was initiated with the government’s formal commitment to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. A transversal working method was defined that included all the concerned ministries. A framework for cooperation with the private sector and the civil society was put in place, and a work plan containing the means of implementation was established.
The second phase on evaluations and consultations helped to define a common understanding of the potential negative human rights impacts that business activities may entail. The priority areas were identified through taking stock of the existing gaps in the implementation of UN Guiding Principles by the State and the companies, and through consultations with parties involved.
Based on multi-stakeholder consultations, the third phase regarding drafting the NAP included the finalisation, publication and launching the implementation of the first edition of the NAP.
Content
Main Priorities / Focus areas in the Action Plan
The plan contains a Declaration of Commitment where the Government recognizes the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles as the primary vehicle for preventing negative human rights impacts through business activities and, where appropriate, for addressing their consequences.
The Government also sets out that it expects companies to fully respect human rights in general, and in particular to: prevent human rights violations as a result of their activities; adopt the necessary policy instruments for this purpose, in particular by introducing a due diligence process; and redress any adverse impacts of their activities on human rights.
The plan then sets out the working methods by which it will implement the UNGPs, highlighting the importance of a coordinated inter-departmental approach, dialogue with non state actors, and detailing the joint work programme.
The joint work programme entails:
- An analysis of the existing framework (in terms of State duties, corporate obligations and access to remedy).
- A mapping exercise of the potential adverse impact of corporate activities on human rights, and on the other of existing efforts to prevent these risks or mitigate their consequences.
- the coordination of structured dialogue organised by the Inter-ministerial Committee between all the actors involved in implementation.
- Awareness-raising, information and promotional campaigns on the UN Guiding Principles.
- The elaboration, adoption and implementation of a National Pact on the Respect for Human Rights in the Activities of Business Enterprises.
- Training sessions based on the UN Guiding Principles are proposed for the subscribing companies.
- Further additional measures.
The NAP also aims to support and complement the corporate social responsibility strategies of the private sector in Luxembourg, emphasising the human rights aspect as an integral part of CSR.
Review and Monitoring
The plan notes that the implementation of the UNGPs requires a coordinated, long-term effort. It highights that the presentedition of the NAP covers the years 2018-2019 and should be understood as a first step, and that the NAP will be updated over time.
The Inter-ministerial Committee for Human Rights assesses the joint work program during bi-monthly meetings and in group meetings. In view of its findings, the Committee is mandated to reflect, together with the non-governmental actors, during the second half of 2019 on the next phases and to submit a draft 2020-2021 NAP for approval to the Government by the end of 2019.
