In April 2020 the Business, Conflict and Human Rights Network (BCHR Network), Christian Aid Ireland, Control Arms, QUNO and Swedwatch jointly submitted to the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights’ project on business in conflict and post-conflict contexts. This project aims at identifying and clarifying policies and practices that States and business enterprises should take to prevent and address business-related human rights abuses in conflict and post-conflict settings.

QUNO Geneva delivered a statement on the importance of ensuring that the rights of children are respected in criminal justice systems during the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council.

QUNO delivered an oral statement at the 43rd session of the UN's Human Rights Council (HRC), recognizing the work of the UN's Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment showing how human rights are seriously affected by a degraded environment. QUNO's statement, delivered by Programme Assistant Detmer Yens Kremer, encouraged the HRC to make "an historic contribution by adopting a resolution recognizing the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment," and also emphasized that the time for action is now.

Children of incarcerated parents continue to face a range of challenges to the full respect for and enjoyment of their rights. QUNO's new briefing paper provides an update to our previous publication, offering an overview of the international legal standards applicable to these children.

During Geneva Peace Week in November, the Sustainable & Just Economic Systems programme organized a side event on this topic and the role of the private sector in different aspects of conflict resolution and sustaining peace, which require the combined effort of many different groups, agencies and sectors. Currently, more than half of the 22 countries that are in the process of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) are considered fragile conflict-affected States. They face specific challenges in building their economic foundation and integrating into the global economy.

For over a decade, QUNO has worked to draw attention to the rights of children of incarcerated parents and to strengthen standards and guidance to better protect their rights.

QUNO Geneva has warmly welcomed the publication of the full version of the UN’s Global Study on Children Deprived of their Liberty, following their significant contributions to its contents.