New initiative to strengthen human rights across public and private sectors

Ankara, 27 June 2022 - UNDP Türkiye will work to improve human rights standards in business in Türkiye as part of a larger global project implemented in 17 different countries with US$6 million in funding from the Government of Japan. By promoting adherence to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the project will help both public and private sectors to combat abuses such as forced labour and discrimination. Launched today in Ankara, the US$300,000 Turkish component will run until April 2023.

“Business and Human Rights: Promoting Responsible Conduct in Türkiye” will take a two-pronged approach. First, the project will provide guidance to Japanese companies operating in the country along with their Turkish suppliers in carrying out Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) to assess, prevent and mitigate adverse impacts. To achieve this, UNDP will support Japanese companies in Türkiye and their local partners in managing human rights risks potentially associated with their operations. Companies stand to benefit from applying this approach, as businesses that demonstrate clean operations have clear advantages in placing their products on the market.

The second objective of the project is to provide capacity building and awareness-raising support for the Turkish public sector to develop policies to tackle human rights abuses in business. UNDP will work with public sector partners to create the rules and guidance needed to encourage companies to embrace responsible business practices.

“Currently, there are about 250 Japanese companies operating in Türkiye, and the number is increasing. Promoting responsible business practices under the UN Guiding Principles will not only help them avoid reputational risk and legal damage but also enhance their social status and present greater business opportunities. I also hope that learning from Japanese companies’ practice will give a new perspective to the business community in Türkiye.” said Suzuki Kazuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Ankara.

“One of the fears associated with globalization is that the drive for profits will lead companies to condone unsavoury business practices offshore, outside their home markets,” said UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton. “That is why we are so pleased to support this initiative from Japan to promote adherence to human rights standards across entire corporate global supply chains. We aim in this way to build momentum for good conduct worldwide.”

The new initiative is a reflection of UNDP’s long-standing commitment to promoting respect for human rights, including in the business sector. UNDP has already provided technical assistance for the development of a National Action Plan on business and human rights in Türkiye, advised companies on the conduct of Human Rights Due Diligence processes and promoted access to remedies for victims of human rights abuses by businesses.

Contact Information: Faik Uyanık, UNDP Türkiye, faik.uyanik@undp.org 

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