Resources

FENSA – a fence against undue corporate influence? The new Framework of Engagement with non-State Actors at the World Health Organization

This briefing paper provides an overview on the World Health Organization’s Framework of Engagement with non-State Actors (FENSA). It outlines the...

The Struggle for a UN Treaty

Over the course of the last years, the international debate surrounding the environmental, social and human rights responsibilities of corporations has gained momentum. Not least, growing public criticism of transnational corporations and banks has contributed to...

Avoiding Forced Evictions: A Community Guide to Negotiation and Advocacy (Cambodian Edition)

Inclusive Development International and Equitable Cambodia launched a new resource for the defense of land and housing rights: Avoiding Forced Evictions: A Community Guide to Negotiation and Advocacy (Cambodian Edition) ...

Human Rights Enforcement Mechanisms of the United Nations

Since the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, several United Nations mechanisms for enforcing and protecting economic, social, and cultural rights have emerged. One of the most important international mechanisms for defending and promoting ESCR...

New Comic: The Power of the 99% to Stop Corporate Capture and Debt

ESCR-Net is thrilled to launch the comic entitled “The Power of the 99% to Stop Corporate Capture and Debt”(available in English, French, Arabic, and Spanish,) a political education tool to spur discussion and deepen understanding of the root causes of debt and its colonial legacies, the role of corporate capture as a driver of the debt crisis, and the intersection with other issues such as the care and climate crises. Ultimately, this comic strives to inspire action to confront corporate capture and the economic models imposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and private creditors, which prioritize creditors' profits and corporate interests at the expense of human rights, including the right to a clean and healthy environment.

Together to stop corporate capture of the treaty process and advocate for a strong binding treaty to regulate corporate power

From 24 - 28 October, a delegation of ESCR-Net members attended the 8th session of the negotiations for a Legally Binding Instrument on business and human rights (OIGWG). Alongside allies, members advocated for an instrument to regulate corporate power, and also against corporate capture of the treaty process and of the UN more generally.

ESCR-Net members, partners & allies after attended the treaty sessions in Geneva from 24 - 28 October to advocate against corporate capture and for a strong binding treaty to regulate corporate power.

Advocacy Paper: Towards a legally binding instrument to stop corporate impunity

Several social movements and civil society organizations have invested and/or continue to invest time engaging in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) by participating in consultations and promotional platforms. Most recently, through ESCR-Net's submission on corporate capture to the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (UNWG on BHR). After several years of engagement with the UNWG on BHR and in the UNGPs implementation process with its voluntary national action plans (NAPs), many have come to the same conclusion that the NAPs are not enough as a standalone tool for corporate accountability - particularly due to their voluntary nature.

As a critical complement to the UNGP process, we see it key that States mobilize their resources and efforts to champion the process to elaborate a legally binding instrument and, as a concrete first step, meaningfully and effectively engage in the Geneva intergovernmental negotiations from 24 - 28 October 2022. This year a delegation of members will be participating in Geneva's intergovernmental negotiations for a #BindingTreaty and will bring forward key demands the #BindingTreaty must address to #StopCorporateImpunity. Some of the key demands have been shaped by members' regional work, done in the lead up to the negotiations.

ESCR-Net Members And Allies Demand WTO Stop Trading With Our Lives

Nearly 200 ESCR-Net members and allies joined together to amplify the voices of our communities who have been most affected by the inequalities exacerbated by the WTO’s refusal to pass a comprehensive waiver on the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement on COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.

Confronting Corporate Capture to Advance Climate Justice: A Feminist Perspective

On 14 September, 2021, ESCR-Net hosted a roundtable on Confronting Corporate Capture to Advance Climate Justice: A Feminist...

Press Advisory: Online Global Rally - WTO: TRIPS Waiver for COVID-19 Vaccines Now!

ESCR-Net, Movement Law Lab, and The People’s Vaccine Alliance and Médecins sans frontières /Doctors Without Borders co-sponsor the Online Global Rally to put pressure on the World Trade Organization (WTO) and States who refuse to pass a meaningful vaccine waiver on life-saving COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.

Press Release: UN Experts Raise Urgent Questions and Concerns to Pharmaceuticals, States and WTO on COVID-19 Vaccines Inequalities

Over 280 organizations and social movements united in ESCR-Net - International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net), demand urgent answers from the World Trade Organization (WTO), States and pharmaceutical companies to the letters sent by the UN experts raising urgent questions about the measures they will undertake to facilitate universal and equitable access to vaccines. According to the World Health Organization, about 75% of the 5 billion vaccines already administered have been concentrated in just 10 countries, amid a mounting global pandemic death toll.

Background document: Corporate Capture of Our Healthcare Systems

Corporate Capture of Our Healthcare Systems Derails Health Equity

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Overview

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