UNDP supports training "Business and Human Rights: Global Trends and National Policy in Kyrgyzstan”

Bishkek, Jan. 29, 2022. / Kabar /. A three-day seminar on "Business and Human Rights: Global Trends and National Policy in Kyrgyzstan" is taking place these days for the staff of the Institute of Ombudsman, employees of relevant Kyrgyz government agencies, representatives of business associations, trade unions and human rights defenders.

The training is organized to review the UN guiding principles related to business, business regulation and human rights, in particular the principles of corporate responsibility and the role of national human rights institutions.

Head of the Office of the Ombudsman Askat Azarbekov noted that the Ombudsman Institute initiates the development of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles to balance the rights of employees and employers. "The relevance of adopting a Business and Human Rights Action Plan stems from the fact that the labor rights of citizens are often violated. Adoption of the National Action Plan and its compliance with the UN Guiding Principles will certainly serve to improve the country's image at the international level," Azarbekov said.

The experts of the training are Olena Uvarova, PhD in Law, business expert, Marina Vashukova, Executive Director of the Association "National Network of the Global Compact", and Valentin Zhovtun, Lead Social Advisor of Sakhalin Energy Oil and Gas Company.

Erkina Urazbaeva, TeamLeader in UNDP Kyrgyzstan's Peace, Accountability and Justice cluster said: "UNDP Kyrgyzstan works closely with all government institutions, civil society and development partners to promote the rule of law and the protection of human rights. To date, UNDP, in close cooperation and under the auspices of the Kyrgyz Ombudsman Institute has conducted a study on the legal framework and law enforcement practices in the field of human rights in business, which will be included in the annual report of the Kyrgyz Ombudsman Institute and further submitted to the Parliament and state bodies. This event is also part of our new initiative to promote and promote human rights in business activities in accordance with international standards".

The event was organized by the Akyikatchy Institute (Ombudsman) of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Central Asia and UNDP in Kyrgyzstan.