2019 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights

Session organized by the Business and Human Rights Journal; Global Business and Human Rights Scholars Association

Webcast of the session:
Meeting link
Meeting number: 840 368 810
Password: 7KAXPwtJ

Brief description of focus and objectives
The business and human rights (BHR) field is characterized by a high degree of engagement between scholars and practitioners, advocates, policy-makers and others, who interact closely and often move almost seamlessly from one role into the other. This raises the question about the proper place and purpose of scholarship and about the role of academics in the BHR field. Should BHR scholarship be engaged, take a stance, and advocate for human rights respect, or should it ‘merely’ observe and explain? To what extend can and ought BHR academics be political in their work and wear different ‘hats’ that may be seen as compromising the ‘neutrality’ of their research? At a more institutional level, should universities, and the dedicated BHR centers and initiatives they host, serve a mere ‘academic’ purpose or do they have a proactive role to play in advancing and advocating for human rights respect of companies? In connection with the 2019 Forum theme on the role of governments as catalysts for corporate human rights respect, this question is perhaps particularly relevant for public universities as a potential instrument of governments to advance human rights. However, the line between ‘engaged research’ and conflicts of interests is often thin and the ties that may result from such work can threaten academic freedom and independence.

This panel aims at exploring this delicate line between research, engagement, and advocacy and the consequences and ramifications – e.g., conflict of interest, loss of academic freedom, ‘corporate capture’ – that may result from ‘getting it wrong’.

Envisaged format of the session
Short and concise input statements by speakers that highlight different aspects of the subject. Moderated discussion among panelists. Then bulk of the time devoted to interaction with audience.