The research has had a meaningful impact on the conduct of individual companies, including changing security protocols and updated training and risk assessment procedures for prominent Australian-based resource companies. (The details are necessarily confidential).
The work has contributed to the United Nations’ Working Group on Business and Human Rights project on conflict-affected areas and was cited in the final 2020 official UN report.
Dr Kolieb was invited to attend the related Asia-Pacific consultation workshop in Davao, Philippines (2019). The research and corporate guidance document has been included in the following world-leading online repositories:
- Security and Human Rights Knowledge Hub, developed by the International Committee of Red Cross (Geneva) and the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
- the online Business and Human Rights Resource Centre.
Formal submissions have been made to the Australian Stock Exchange, the Australian Treasury Department and the United Nations around this work to enhance governance regimes around responsible business conduct in conflict zones.
The work has also been presented at international “business and human rights” forums, academic symposia and private industry workshops facilitated by Australian Government.
Kolieb said they have made good progress talking to industry organisations including the Responsible Investment Association of Australia (RIAA) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
There is an increasing desire from people to ensure their investments such as superannuation are ethical and sustainable.
-Jonathan Kolieb
“We’re pleased that after working with the RIAA, they have now developed material to guide their members around international humanitarian law,” he said.
In recognition of his work, Dr Kolieb has also been appointed to the Australian Red Cross, International Humanitarian Law Advisory Committee.
