Both advocates participated in a series of international formal and informal meetings with UN, Civil Society, and religious interlocutors. They were able to stress the importance of the human rights perspective in addressing issues related to sustainable development, especially in sectors like the extractive industry. 

Transnational Corporations and the mining industry in particular are the authors of an increasing number of very diverse human rights abuses.  Francesca noted that the impact of Transnational Corporations activities, especially in extractive sectors, include increasing poverty, inequality, discrimination, human rights violations, violence, insecurity, and breakdown of the social fabric. In addition, Amanda remarked that extractive industry is becoming the prevalent development model, which is why she is advocating for adopting a specific human rights lens when approaching resource extraction in the context of sustainable development.  

“It is therefore of utmost importance to work towards  an International Binding Framework to help fill the current protection and governance gaps in the business sector: A new Business and Human Rights Binding Treaty would clearly state the human rights obligations of States outside their own territories,  hoping to prevent abuses and ensuring effective remedies for victims,”concludes Francesca.  In Geneva, this international legally binding Instrument on Business and Human Rights is under current debate; Francesca was able to highlight the importance for NY civil society to link up with this discussion.

These three days of meetings were key for FI’s global advocacy work precisely because they gave the opportunity to build linkages between the Geneva and New York debates. Francesca comes back to Geneva encouraged by this opportunity to advocate on a wider platform, and having connected with a wide range of new interlocutors about this initiative. She feels she was able to encourage new audiences to mobilise their partners to join efforts and participate in the negotiations. 

FI’s presence both at the grassroots and at the UN, along with its legal expertise and presence in both Geneva and New York, are its real strength, and enables a wide variety of beneficiaries across the world to be empowered in life-changing ways.