Since the adoption of the United Nation Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights in 2011, the legal practice of business and human rights has developed dramatically. Global businesses expect their external legal counsel not only to be aware of emerging laws and guidelines but also how to implement international best practice. As law and practice develops, legal counsel must also be able to guide businesses through an emerging legal, financial and reputation risk landscape, for example, related to litigation, shareholders, investor relations, contracting partners and transnational civil society advocacy. Increasingly, Business and Human Rights is no longer a nice-to-have but a key component of effective legal risk management. In developing a National Action Plan Japan initiated a national baseline assessment in March 2018. The Japanese government is trying to involve multiple stakeholders in the process, including the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, and is facing various challenges and opportunities. In a climate of increasing awareness of business’s accountability to the community and stakeholders, Australia is also actively moving towards implementing modern slavery laws, embracing a reporting model similar to the UK and following trends in other Asia Pacific jurisdictions like Hong Kong.

The panellists will discuss developments in this field in various jurisdictions, current trends, and how legal practice will further evolve in response to client’s needs and a fast-changing global landscape.