Ep. 36: Business and Affected Communities: Taking a Human Rights-Based Approach to Meaningful Engagement
Description
As companies operate in increasingly complex environments, engaging meaningfully with affected communities is no longer optional—it's essential. New legal frameworks, such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), now require companies to identify affected communities, assess potential impacts, and take appropriate measures to prevent, mitigate, and remedy harm in line with applicable human rights standards like the UN Guiding Principles and the OECD Guidelines.In this episode, we discuss the launch of a new practical guide on meaningful engagement with affected communities, published under the auspices of the UN Global Compact France/Pacte Mondial de l'ONU - Réseau France. Additionally, we share critical insights on how indigenous peoples view engagement, impact, and business responsibility, and why their perspectives must shape corporate practices moving forward.This episode features insights from Alancay Morales and Céline Da Graca Pires, two fieldwork experts, who emphasize the importance of meaningful engagement, trust-building, and respecting affected communities' rights, including Indigenous peoples' collective rights. The discussion is moderated by Luís Prata e Castro, Master Student and Research Associate at the Nova Centre on Business, Human Rights and the Environment. Join us as we delve into the importance of embracing a paradigm shift in the relationship between businesses and affected communities, and how practical tools like the new guide can enhance community engagement practices.
United States
