OBA International Law PROGRAM | 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

The unanimous adoption of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights cemented the notion that businesses play a critical role in supporting human rights in all jurisdictions where they or their affiliates operate. New legislation, regulatory mechanisms, and case law further affirm that governments and courts expect businesses to conduct their affairs in adherence to international human rights obligations.

Counsel, both in-house and external, across a range of industries and services need to understand, identify and be able to advise on human rights issues related to their client’s business. Industries such as mining, construction, financial and insurance services, textile/garment and agriculture, all have responsibilities for the human rights impacts of their activities. Corporate legal services, including asset purchases, IPOs and a growing host of due-diligence and reporting requirements, should also account for human rights concerns.

Join our expert panel to learn how corporate and in-house lawyers can better serve their clients by accounting for human rights concerns. Get your roadmap for answering three fundamental questions:

1. What are the risks to human rights posed by a client’s business activity? How and when should they be identified?
2. Which actors within a business supply chain or corporate group is one responsible for?
3. Once risks have been identified, how can proposed business activities better align with international human rights standards?

PROGRAM CHAIRS

Josh Scheinert, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Claudia Feldkamp, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

PROGRAM SPEAKERS

John Sherman, General Counsel, Senior Advisor and Secretary, Shift Project
Chris Moran, Director General, Global Affairs Canada
Daniela Chimisso dos Santos, Principal Consultant, Invenient Solutions Consulting Ltd., previously Deputy General Counsel, Vale S. A.