Kathmandu, July 22

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Enhancing Access to Justice through Institutional Reform (A2J) Project.

The purpose of signing the MoU is to collaborate in organising a province-level dialogue on business and human rights in all seven provinces, as per a press statement.

The A2J Project is being implemented under the leadership of Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (MoLJPA), with support of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project has been partnering with different key stakeholders that include business organisations, civil society and academia to raise awareness on business and human rights issues in Nepal with particular emphasis on UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Bhawani Rana, president of FNCCI, and Phanindra Gautam, national project director and joint secretary of the MoLJPA, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.

As per the MoU, FNCCI will lead the overall management of organising province-level dialogue on business and human rights in all seven provinces, while A2J will provide all needful technical support.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, FNCCI president expressed commitment for effective implementation of the programme in coordination with FNCCI’s province chapters and its network.

Similarly, Gautam said this initiative will be a milestone in coordination and cooperation between both the organisations in the days to come.

UNDP Nepal Resident Representative Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labe highlighted importance of this collaboration among the UNDP, the government and private sector in the areas of business and human rights and also shared her conviction that this initiative would support in implementing Global Compact principles.