LettersChina’s new human rights action plan is a significant step forward
Readers discuss the obligations of Chinese enterprises and projects abroad, and the economic landscape of Central Asia and the Caucasus
In June, China released its fifth National Human Rights Action Plan for 2026-30. For the first time, the action plan devoted a section to business and human rights, setting out the state’s commitment to support Chinese enterprises in abiding by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and fulfilling their human rights obligations at home and abroad.
The explicit inclusion of Chinese overseas investments is significant. As advocates for communities negatively impacted by investments from multilateral development banks and other financial institutions, we at Accountability Counsel know that cross-border investments can result in unintended environmental and social harms. We welcome that the Chinese government will commit resources to helping enterprises develop policies on complying with local laws and fulfilling social responsibilities and – crucially – improving complaint handling mechanisms. Our advocacy experience and database of over 2,400 submissions to complaint mechanisms situated within financial institutions, companies and government agencies shows that they can be transformative for local communities and institutions.
The test of any plan of this type will be in its implementation. We hope that it will include the further development and strengthening of two ongoing initiatives.
First, the government should continue to support the first-of-its-kind mediation and consultation mechanism set up by CCCMC (China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters), China’s mining industry association. The mechanism seeks to facilitate mediation processes to resolve complaints from people concerned about negative impacts of mining projects abroad. It was established in 2023 through a collaborative effort that included input from civil society with experience in designing accountability processes.
If done right, the mechanism will help fulfil China’s ambition as a leader in green mining. As it starts handling its first cases, we call for adequate staffing and financial resources for case processing, and encourage mining companies to participate voluntarily and constructively.