CIDSE @ the 12th Session of the UN Binding Treaty – CIDSE
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CIDSE @ the 12th Session of the UN Binding Treaty

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As part of its commitment to advocate for human rights above corporate interests, CIDSE is closely following the negotiations for an international Legally Binding Instrument (LBI) on transnational corporations and other business enterprises, and supporting voices from the Global South to be heard by negotiatiors. Established in 2014, the Open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights (OEIGWG) is entering its 12th session this year.

Read:
– CIDSE’s position paper, ahead of the 12th Session of the Open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, October 2026

CIDSE delegation
A delegation will be in Geneva from 12 to 16 October, consisting of representatives from its member organisations: Broederlijk Delen (Belgium), CCFD-Terre Solidaire (France), Fastenaktion (Switzerland), DKA-Austria, member of KOO (Austria), Manos Unidas (Spain), Misereor (Germany) and Trócaire (Ireland), joined by partner organisations from Brazil (CdH-UFMG), Colombia (CODACOP), and Guatemala (Council of Mayan Peoples (CPO), the Pastoral Commission for Peace and Ecology (COPAE) and Xinka Parliament), and allies to lobby official delegations.

“When companies cause significant harm, it is essential for the victims to be at the negotiating table.”
Alexandra Lourdes Santos Barbosa, CdH-UFMG, Brazil

Status of the Treaty process
As part of the updated 2026 Roadmap to prepare for the 12th session, the Chair of the OEIGWG convened three thematic intersessional consultations of the Updated draft legally binding instrument. The first one, held on 7 and 8 April covered Articles 12 to 24, and was followed by a second thematic consultation on 9 and 10 April which focused on Article 1 (Definitions), Article 2 (Statement of Purpose), and Article 3 (Scope). The third thematic consultation took place on 28-29 May and offered an important opportunity to advance discussions on Article 1 (Definitions), and the Preamble, as well as on the way forward.  On 25 September, the Chair-Rapporteur presented a summary report on the intersessional thematic consultations, including an addendum with suggested redrafting of selected provisions of the Updated draft. The 12th session will focus on the agreement of a final roadmap for 2027, and the confirmation of a new draft text in 2027.

“Our people are dying of thirst and disease because of water and air pollution. That’s why we urgently need the Treaty on Business and Human Rights as a binding instrument that will allow us to obtain swift justice for these communities.”
Diego Enriquez Alcedo Ladino, CODACOP, Colombia


CIDSE’s Position
CIDSE welcomes progress made through the 2026 intersessional thematic consultations and the continued efforts of the Chair-Rapporteur and legal experts to identify areas of convergence and clarify the legal implications of different proposals. However, some of our concerns remain insufficiently addressed, in particular those relating to: 

  • Effective access to justice and remedy for individuals and communities;
  • The recognition of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, in addition to environmental due diligence; and
  • Corporate accountability under State regulation across the entire global value chains.  

The next phase of negotiations must prioritise substance over speed. The objective should be to develop a legally robust and effective instrument, supported by meaningful participation and adequate legal scrutiny, rather than to accelerate the process at the expense of its intended purpose. 

CIDSE Partners’ voices
What happens when corporate power goes unchecked? Three stories. Three communities. One common demand: justice and accountability. CIDSE gathered stories from member organisations’ partners on the ground in Guatemala, Brazil and Colombia, evidencing the impacts of corporate abuse and how it is changing local communities livelihoods in these regions. These cases show why we need a legally binding instrument for transnational companies and effective access to justice for affected communities.


Here are the videos from partners:


Activities in the run-up to and during the 12th session.

1st October,13:00 CEST, “Children’s rights to access to justice and effective remedies”, virtual side event organised by DKA Austria in collaboration with Brazilian partners: Human Rights Clinics of UFMG and PUCPR and others. See policy paper summary and full version.


11 October: 09:00-17:00 CEST: Treaty Alliance meeting

12 October, 13:00-14:00 CEST, Room XI,Palais des Nations: “Accountability in Global Value Chains: Legal Responsibilities of States and Corporations in Addressing Harm from Pesticides”, official side event organised by CIDSE, Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS), Terra de Direitos, Misereor, European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), Fastenaktion, Franciscans International and FIAN International.


Additional Resources:

  • CIDSE Written contribution to the Chair-Rapporteur’s suggested redrafting of selected provisions of Articles 4 to 11 of the updated draft of the United Nations (UN) Legally Binding Instrument (LBI) on Business and Human rights by CIDSE and its members. (February 2026) 
  • Oral statements on Articles 14, 15 and 16 delivered by CIDSE, Broederlijk Delen, Fastenaktion and Trócaire at the first intersessional thematic consultation. (Geneva, April 2026)
  • Oral statements on Articles 1, 2 and 3) delivered by CIDSE, Broederlijk Delen, Fastenaktion and Trócaire at the second intersessional thematic consultation. (Geneva, April 2026)
  • Oral statements on general remarks, Article 1 (1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8) and the Preamble delivered by CIDSE, Fastenaktion, Trócaire and Franciscans International at the third intersessional thematic consultation. (Geneva, May 2026)
  • CIDSE statement on the programme of work for the 12th session. (31 August 2026)


CIDSE onsite contact in Geneva:  Susana Hernandez, CIDSE (hernandez(at)cidse.org)


Cover photo: CIDSE delegation at UN LBI 11th Session, Geneva, October 2025. Credit: CIDSE.

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