News Details

On July 10, the Portuguese National Contact Point (PCN PT) for Responsible Business Conduct, headquartered in the Directorate-General for Economic Activities (DGAE), promoted an online workshop focused on Chapter IV of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, dedicated to Human Rights. The event brought together experts, institutional and civil society representatives to reflect on the role of business in building fairer, more sustainable and inclusive economies.

Chapter IV of the Guidelines underlines that all companies, regardless of their size or location, have a duty to respect human rights. This means preventing, remedy negative impacts and ensure access to complaint and redress mechanisms. As was reiterated throughout the session, the failure of the state to protect rights does not relieve companies of their responsibility. On the contrary: It requires greater ethical and institutional attention.

One of the most relevant moments of the workshop was the focus on the inclusion of persons with disabilities as an integral part of the human rights agenda. Participants warned about the persistence of structural and cultural barriers that continue to exclude this socially vulnerable group from the full exercise of their rights, including access to the labour market. Equal opportunities, physical and digital accessibility, and overcoming capacitism were identified as urgent priorities.

The importance of integrating disability-specific indicators into human rights impact assessments was also underlined, avoiding generic approaches that perpetuate invisibility. Promoting inclusion requires the active involvement of companies in the implementation of the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as in cooperation with associations representing persons with disabilities.

The workshop reaffirmed the role of the National Contact Points as mechanisms for mediation, dialogue and promotion of business conduct in line with international human rights principles. It was concluded that only a structured and inclusive approach would ensure that economic development respects the dignity and rights of all people, including the most vulnerable.

The session was closed with the announcement of two new workshops to be held in September and October, dedicated to the chapters on employment and industrial relations and on the environment, continuing the work of raising awareness and training on the concrete application of the OECD Guidelines in the Portuguese and international business community.