Week of Peoples Mobilization in Geneva: Dismantle Corporate Power

24 Oct 2016 to 29 Oct 2016
Geneva, Switzerland

Global Forest Coalition participated in the “Peoples Mobilization” in Geneva and the Global Campaign to Reclaim Peoples Sovereignty, Dismantle Corporate Power and Stop Impunity. The Second Session of the Open Ended Inter-Governmental Working Group (OEIGWG) at the Human Rights Council mandated to negotiate a Binding Treaty on Transnational Corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, took place in Geneva from 24-28 October. The establishment of the Working Group in June 2014 was a historic achievement after decades of discussions and failed attempts within the United Nations to address the violations of human rights and the rights of peoples and nature that have become an all too common part of transnational corporations’ operations. There are no binding rules for corporations on Human Rights at the international level. That’s why, in coordination with the Treaty Alliance, the Global Campaign returned to Geneva to advocate directly to UN member states to engage in a process to create a treaty, and to ensure they hear the voices of communities impacted by corporate violations loud and clear.

As part of the Global Campaign to Reclaim Peoples Sovereignty, Dismantle Corporate Power and Stop Impunity, numerous activities and actions were organised during the week, both inside and outside the UN including workshops, side-events and press conferences.