Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food, par. 71 (2019)

Text of the recommendation

71. States cannot place civil society on the same footing as State and market actors, or ignore the concentrated power and conflicts of interest embedded in the private sector. Promoting a more balanced, inclusive and participatory governance space must start with States asserting greater regulatory authority over industry to ensure that human rights, environmental protections and labour standards are respected and protected according to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It also requires guaranteeing access to justice, especially for those who are often left behind. The review of Goal 16 at the high-level political forum in July 2019 will reveal progress in promoting this access, and the remaining challenges.