Chapter 3 - Report of the Research and Policy Development Group • The importance of an updated database was stressed to serve as a baseline in developing policies or laws to resolve issues linked to the rights of older persons. (c) Business and Human Rights Traditionally, the delivery of human rights has been the responsibility of the State. But the rapid growth of corporations and the impact of business on the lives of people have given rise to global debate on the roles and responsibilities of the business sector with regard to human rights. In June 2011, the Human Rights Council had adopted the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (‘the Guiding Principles’). These were developed by Professor John Ruggie, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Business and Human Rights. They emphasise the duty of the State to protect human rights; ensure that other actors respect human rights; and ensure access to remedy in the case of violation of rights. Traditionally, the delivery of human rights has been the responsibility of the State. But the rapid growth of corporations and the impact of business on the life of the people have given rise to global debate on the roles and responsibilities of the business sector with regard to human rights. In Malaysia, the impact of business activities on human rights is becoming clearer. Many people are expressing concern about the arbitrary manner in which corporations carry out their activities. Their level of understanding of human rights and social responsibilities, and commitment to fulfilling these responsibilities, are still in their infancy. The Commission will therefore work on stepping up awareness programmes for the business sector, including government-linked companies. (i) SUHAKAM-RWI Research Project In late 2012, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (RWI) had given the Commission a grant to research ‘The Role of SUHAKAM in Addressing Corporate Human Rights Violations: A Study on Logging and Plantation Industries in Malaysia’. The Commission selected the topic in light of issues raised during the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia (NI). The Commission organised separate discussions with these industries and alleged victims – mainly involving the indigenous community – to gather input. The report was submitted to RWI on 19 December 2013, highlighting these findings: • Indigenous Peoples (IP) alleged that plantation and logging companies have failed to respect and acknowledge their Native Customary Rights (NCR) to land. On many occasions, the companies had ignored or failed to consult the communities prior to the start of operations, thereby breaching the principle of free, prior and informed consent. 83