On December 13, 2024, 41 lawyers from the Institut de Droit Européen des Barreaux (IDEB) in Strasbourg, Brussels and Luxembourg took part in a training day on the topic of “Business and human rights”, as part of the “Human Rights and Environmentally Responsible Business Practices” project.
Participants from the three European capitals had the opportunity to exchange views with Judge Raffaele SABATO on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on the subject of “Business and Human Rights”, before taking a guided tour of the Court.
This was followed by an examination of the relevant normative framework for corporate accountability in the field of human rights, and its contenious and non-contentious implications.
Participants discussed legal solutions reconciling economic interests and sustainable development with legal and ethical imperatives, particularly as regards respect for human rights, human dignity, equality and the strengthening of justice. The debate focused on the obligation of member states to protect human rights, but also on the due diligence and access to a remedy in the event of abuse.
The HELP thematic course on “Business and Human Rights” were presented, followed by an engaging exchange on respect for social rights in business and the role of international non-governmental organisations in deepening knowledge and strengthening skills.
Finally, the essential role of lawyers in transforming these principles into concrete actions was highlighted, thus contributing to the development of a culture of responsibility and transparency within companies.
The “Human Rights and Environmentally Responsible Business Practices” project is implemented by the Council of Europe with the financial support of the Human Rights Trust Fund.
