LocationsUNDP, Ministry of Justice, and ICHR Launch National Dialogue to Strengthen Business and Human Rights Frameworks in Palestine
August 25, 2025
UNDP, Ministry of Justice, and ICHR Launch National Dialogue to Strengthen Business and Human Rights Frameworks in Palestine
Ramallah – The United Nations Development Programme / Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (UNDP/PAPP), in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and the Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR), launched the “Strengthening Business and Human Rights Frameworks in Palestine” initiative. The launch, held on the first day of a two-day sensitization and dialogue workshop in Ramallah, marks a significant step toward integrating human rights principles into business conduct and national policy.
The event brought together over 45 representatives from government institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, and international partners to foster dialogue, raise awareness, and catalyze action around the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
As the global standard for preventing and addressing adverse human rights impacts linked to business activity, the UNGPs offer a critical framework for reform. With a strong emphasis on inclusion, the initiative particularly highlights the rights of vulnerable groups, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and internally displaced persons (IDPs), as it seeks to support a rights-based, inclusive economic recovery amid ongoing conflict and instability.
Minister of Justice Sharhabeel Al Zaeem emphasized: “Despite the daily violations and grave humanitarian situation, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, the Palestinian government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding human rights. This initiative presents an opportunity to reaffirm our values, strengthen our legal frameworks, and engage the private sector in building an inclusive and just economy. Our partnership with UNDP and the Independent Commission for Human Rights exemplifies how shared efforts can drive meaningful change.”
Minister of Labour, Inas Attari stated: “This national initiative marks a crucial step toward fostering a fair and inclusive labour environment in Palestine—where dignity, justice, and human rights are at the heart of economic and social policy. We are committed to aligning labour legislation with international standards, protecting vulnerable groups, and ensuring accountability across both public and private sectors.”
Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Special Representative of the Administrator, stated: “This dialogue comes at a critical time, when human rights are increasingly under pressure, globally and in Palestine. Upholding these rights is not optional; it is a shared duty and a necessity for justice, peace, and sustainable development. By aligning business practices with human rights principles, we can help chart a recovery path for Palestine that is inclusive, just, and resilient.
Dr. Ammar Dweik, Director General of the Independent Commission for Human Rights stated: “Respecting human rights is not the sole responsibility of governments, it is a legal and moral imperative for businesses, both local and international. In the Palestinian context, this imperative becomes even more urgent amid systemic violations and the continued role of corporate actors in sustaining occupation-related structures. The Independent Commission for Human Rights stands ready to support national efforts to align policies and legal frameworks with international standards, ensuring that economic development is anchored in justice, accountability, and the dignity of all people.”
Participants engaged in thematic group work and peer learning sessions on national Business and Human Rights (BHR) priorities, including inclusive business practices and access to justice for marginalized communities. These discussions will inform the development of Palestine’s first National Action Plan (NAP) on BHR—a key reform milestone.
The workshop also drew on regional experiences, introduced stakeholder mapping for NAP development, and outlined a roadmap for multi-sectoral engagement. The SBHRP builds on UNDP’s broader governance portfolio, particularly the Sawasya programme, fostering collaboration among national institutions, civil society, and international partners to co-design practical, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
For further information and media enquiries, please contact:
Musa Khalil, Head of Communication Unit, UNDP/PAPP, E-mail: musa.khalil@undp.org. Tel: +972 6268200, Mobile: +972 5748761. For more information about UNDP/PAPP visit www.ps.undp.org
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