On 18 December 2024, the 10th Session of the Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group (OEIGWG) convened a crucial side event at Room XXIV, Palais des Nations, Geneva. The event, titled "Advancing Human-Centric Protections for Entrepreneurs: Addressing Gaps in the LBI Framework and Tackling Discriminatory Practices," brought together prominent voices from various sectors to address pressing issues faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global landscape.
Organized by the International Probono Legal Services Association (IPLSA) in collaboration with Justice Pour Tous Internationale (JPTi), Global Gaze Network (GGN), and Global Impact Alliance (GIA), the discussion delved into systemic challenges that hinder SMEs' ability to flourish. These enterprises, which are often referred to as the backbone of local and global economies, face significant barriers within the frameworks of the UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs) and the evolving Legally Binding Instrument (LBI).
The event opened with a discussion on how international mechanisms often treat SMEs as abstract duty bearers without recognizing their unique vulnerabilities as rights holders. The existing frameworks, while addressing corporate responsibility, inadvertently impose onerous compliance requirements and over-regulation, particularly through a risk-based approach. These practices disproportionately burden SMEs, leaving them struggling to navigate increasingly complex business environments.
Another focal point of the discussion was the impact of politically motivated measures, such as sanctions and grassroots boycotts. Such actions disrupt supply chains, limit market access, and deprive SMEs, farmers, and workers of essential economic opportunities. These measures, often unilateral and coercive, deepen inequality and marginalization, pushing many small enterprises to the brink of collapse.
The panelists emphasized the need to reimagine compliance frameworks that ensure fairness and proportionality. Entrepreneurs should not be penalized by measures that fail to account for their apolitical nature. Instead, the conversation advocated for embedding principles of legality, legitimacy, necessity, and precaution into the enforcement of international human rights mechanisms. By doing so, regulatory frameworks can uphold non-discrimination and support rather than hinder economic resilience.
The event also underscored the importance of tailored safeguards to create an enabling environment for SMEs. Such measures would not only promote entrepreneurial freedom but also foster sustainable economic development. Panelists stressed that protecting the rights of SMEs goes hand in hand with ensuring economic equity on a global scale.
Voices from the panel provided both depth and breadth to the conversation. Junius K Y Ho, founder of IPLSA, highlighted the critical role of fairness in regulatory practices, while Swiss journalist and entrepreneur Alexander Peske shared his insights on navigating the challenges posed by over-regulation and sanctions. Alena Bekker, a German entrepreneur, brought a grounded perspective on the importance of fair trade practices for small businesses. Meanwhile, Yuliya Koroleva, Head of Sustainability at Global Impact Alliance, advocated for integrating sustainability into entrepreneurship frameworks, and Sharof Azizov, Executive Director of JPTi, emphasized inclusivity in global mechanisms.
The event concluded with a powerful call to action: policymakers, business leaders, and human rights advocates must collaborate to address the systemic disparities facing SMEs. International frameworks must be reimagined to prioritize fairness and inclusivity, ensuring that SMEs are not left behind in an over-regulated and often discriminatory landscape.
This side event marked an important step forward in advancing human-centric protections for entrepreneurs. By focusing on fairness, proportionality, and inclusivity, stakeholders can create a world where SMEs—recognized as vital contributors to global economies—are empowered to thrive without undue hindrance. Justice Pour Tous Internationale and its partners remain committed to championing these principles and ensuring that no entrepreneur is left marginalized within international human rights frameworks.
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