Learning and sharing
The workshop attracted more than 20 teachers from well-known universities in China, including Tsinghua University, Wuhan University, Nankai University, Soochow University, China Women's University, Guangzhou University, Shantou University, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The focus of this workshop was on discussions of how to teach business and human rights course at the university level. Some of the top experts in China shared their knowledge and their experiences on business and human rights teaching methods, such as what topics should be covered in a business and human rights course, what is the most effective way to teach the subject and what kind of resources are more helpful. The experts also shared with participants the latest information on practical application and challenges of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the normative dilemma of business and human rights and its impact on the treaty process and international legislation on business and human rights.
In addition to attending lectures, the participants were encouraged to teach this course to meet the growing demand for business and human rights education among students, at academic institutions, and within companies. They have also developed an academic network to continue to exchange views on how to teach business and human rights course.
Business and human rights: a new emerging field in China
In September 2020, China published the latest human rights action plan for the period from 2021 to 2025. On Business & Human Rights, the Action Plan states that:
China will be “Promoting responsible business conduct in global supply chains. It will encourage Chinese businesses to abide by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in their foreign trade and investment, to conduct due diligence on human rights, and to fulfill their social responsibility to respect and promote human rights. It will participate and play a constructive role in negotiations on the UN business and human rights treaty”.
The workshop was part of a cooperation program on business and human rights between the NCHR and CUPL. The NCHR hopes to contribute to increase unbiased knowledge and competence among Chinese teachers based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.