British experts highlight the important relationship between Businesses and Human Rights in Guatemala
A special forum took place in Guatemala City aimed at understanding human rights and improving the business climate by addressing the root causes of social conflicts.
The British Ambassador, Carolyn Davidson, opened the event / la Embajadora Británica, Carolyn Davidson, inauguró el evento
The forum ‘Risk management associated to Human Rights and Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights’ was a joint initiative by Advocacy for Business and Human Rights (ABHR), Watchman, the British Chamber of Commerce in Guatemala (BritCham) and the British Embassy.
Keynote speakers included; Sonia Lucía Valenzuela, Director for Advocacy for Business and Human Rights, Rajiv Maher expert associate of ABHR, and Chris Goodwin Director of Watchman.
Dr Rajiv Maher is an expert and international associate in the extractive and agro industrial sectors in human rights and sustainable development; he has conducted a human rights impact assessment with a special focus on security and community engagement for prosperity.
Dr Chris Goodwin is a risk manager specialising in the nexus of security and human rights. He has conducted evaluations of security forces in long running confrontation over land rights and access.
Discussions focused on the importance of communication between corporations and indigenous communities, the role of the government in conflict resolution and the challenges that might arise in social conflict. At the end of the forum, both experts delivered workshops in which participants had the opportunity to work on a case study to evaluate and inverse roles to find a solution to a conflict between a community and a large-scale investment project.
During his visit, Dr Maher, together with Sonia Lucía Valenzuela, gave a lecture on the challenges and implications of corporate community engagement at the Guatemalan Ombudsman’s Office and Del Valle University. Dr Maher also visited Tecpán, Chimaltenango where he met with indigenous communities to get first hand perspectives on social conflict in Guatemala. Finally, he met with Guatemala’s private sector to discuss business climate and sustainability.
The United Kingdom is committed to the promotion of the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights. The UK recognises that dialogue is the key to protecting and guaranteeing human rights, demonstrated through international law; with the support of businesses and other key actors involved in fostering prosperity.