NL, Gender & Women’s rights 2nd NAP

Pillar I

“In 2021, on the 10th anniversary of the UNGPs, the UN conducted a survey which showed that the UNGPs have become the authoritative global framework for business and human rights. Building on this survey, the UN has developed a UNGPs 10+ roadmap covering the next 10 years. It stresses policy coherence and encourages partnerships between states, businesses, rightsholders, trade unions, civil society organisations and international organisations to tackle the root causes of business-related human rights violations. Its emphasis is on the importance of directly involving local rightsholders, including women. This requires also taking other internationally recognised publications such as ‘Gender Dimensions of the UNGPs’ into account, alongside the UNGPs 10+ roadmap.” p. 21.

Including ‘business and human rights’ in the Netherlands’ foreign policy

Integrating responsibilities in conflict areas and fragile states into policy

“The Netherlands is committed to collaborating with other donors and organisations in making joint analyses which include a gender dimension. An example here is Dutch investment in the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Conflict Affected States in Africa (CASA) initiative. A conflict-sensitive approach to private sector development was central in the 13 fragile states in which this IFC project was implemented.” p. 43.

Development cooperation

Sustainable trade with and investment in developing countries

“The interests and specific circumstances of developing countries must be taken into account when drafting national, European and international agreements aimed at improving the sustainability of trade and investments. Examples include developing standards on deforestation and the climate, the circular economy, land use rights, labour, foreign trade and investments and RBC. The cornerstone of this is to determine the development impact of efforts to make trade and investment more sustainable, especially the impact on vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples, small-scale producers, workers and agricultural labourers, with a particular focus on women and young people. This should reinforce the efforts’ positive effects and, as far as possible, prevent and mitigate any negative side effects.” p 46.

Pillar II

RBC support office

“The new RBC support office will form a one-stop shop for RBC policy by supporting all businesses, including those that do not (as yet) fall under the scope of current legislation, in their application of due diligence. … Services offered by the RBC support office may include:

…

• Offering and providing risk-specific knowledge and expertise, for example about major RBC risks such as … combating child labour and gender-related risks…” p. 59.

Pillar III

Improving the provision of information to affected parties

“The government will produce an accessible digital guide describing the judicial and non-judicial remedies available to parties abroad who have been affected by Dutch companies (through their international supply chains). … This will include a gender perspective.” p. 63.