UN Forum on Human Rights Discusses Indigenous Peoples' Rights Documents

As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated in his opening remarks at the 13th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, "The world expects business to play its part".

On the sidelines of the Forum in Geneva, a representative of Norilsk Nickel shared information about the company's improved Policy on Interaction with Indigenous Peoples, as well as its programs to protect human rights and support Northern indigenous peoples.

Alexander Shaburkin, head of the analytical department at Norilsk Nickel, informed international experts and human rights specialists that in September of this year, the company's Board of Directors approved an updated policy on interaction with indigenous peoples. The document was developed with the participation of independent experts and in consultation with indigenous communities and associations. As the Norilsk Nickel representative explained, the new version of the Policy on Interaction with Indigenous Peoples has received important additions: the FPIC procedure (Free, Prior and Informed Consent) is detailed, due diligence measures (ethno-expertise, broad consultations) have been added, a mechanism for considering complaints with the participation of an independent expert has been defined, and an independent audit of the Policy's implementation has been provided. According to the Norilsk Nickel representative, the provisions of the current version of the document have become consistent with international standards and UN recommendations.

After familiarizing herself with Norilsk Nickel's new Policy, Fernanda Hopenhaym, Chair of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, noted that "unfortunately, we see few good examples from business. Such Policies are a good example. It's good that there are such."

International experts also expressed great interest in Norilsk Nickel's experience in conducting the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) procedure in Tukhard.

The UN Forum is the largest annual international meeting on business and human rights, with over 2,000 participants from governments, businesses, civil society groups, law firms, investment companies, UN agencies, national human rights institutions, trade unions, academia, and the media.

Over three days, more than 60 expert discussions are held on issues related to the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (a framework for "protect", "respect" and "remedy"), as well as current issues in the field of business and human rights.

The Forum is the largest platform for networking, exchanging experiences, and learning about a multitude of initiatives to promote corporate respect for human rights.