Ombudsperson of Kosovo Mr. Sami Kurteshi participated in the 10th International Conference for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) which was held from 8 – 10 October in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The overall theme in this conference was; “Business and Human Rights: the Role of National Human Rights Institutions”.
The conference was hosted by the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC), and co-organized with the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the International Coordinating Committee of National High Committee of National Institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (ICC).
Participants from over 80 countries representing NHRIs, international and regional experts, United Nations officials, government representatives, civil society and business organizations attended the conference. NHRIs shared experiences regarding priorities and strategies to enhance the application of human rights norms in the context of the corporate sector and discussed strategies to strengthen the cooperation between NHRIs.
Topics discussed amongst the participants include state protection of individuals and communities against corporate abuse, working effectively with the business sector to prevent abuses, facilitating access to justice for victims, safe and healthy environment and human trafficking.
This Conference was concluded with the adoption of the “Edinburgh Declaration” which reflects the main conclusions of the conference, and highlights the key issues and priorities for the ICC and its members on human rights and business.