2026 Access to Justice Exchange

Business and Human Rights Workshop

📅 7 December 2026

📍Fukuoka International Congress Center, Fukuoka, Japan

ABOUT THIS SESSION

This workshop aims to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue, networking, and collaboration to advance the promotion and implementation of Business and Human Rights (BHR) principles and practices across Asia. 

As an emerging dimension of Access to Justice (A2J), Business and Human Rights calls for cooperation among legal professionals, civil society organizations, the private sector, government institutions, and academia. Through a human security approach, the workshop will explore how multi-stakeholder partnerships can complement traditional legal and judicial mechanisms by protecting and empowering vulnerable individuals and communities. 

Building upon discussions from the “Pro Bono for ESG” session and related dialogues at the 14th Asia Pro Bono Conference, this workshop seeks to strengthen regional cooperation and identify practical pathways for advancing access to justice within the context of cross-border business activities and human rights challenges. 

Key Discussion Topics

  • Access to Justice for Foreign Workers and Migrants
  • Access to Justice for Communities Affected by Foreign Investment and Cross-Border Business Activities 
  • Access to Justice for Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Stateless Persons, and Communities Affected by Armed Conflict or Environmental Degradation 
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Access to Remedy and Legal Empowerment 

        Target Participants

        This workshop welcomes participants from diverse sectors who are interested in promoting Business and Human Rights and advancing access to justice through a human security lens, including: 

        • Lawyers and legal professionals
        • Judicial scriveners, labour and social security attorneys, and paralegals 
        • Civil society organizations and NGOs 
        • Corporate and private sector representatives 
        • Government and public sector officials 
        • Academics, researchers, and students 

                        Session Highlights

                        • Expert presentations by leading practitioners and researchers 
                        • Interactive discussions on emerging Business and Human Rights challenges in Asia 
                        • Networking opportunities among multi-stakeholder participants 
                        • Exploration of future regional collaboration and partnership initiatives 

                                              Tentative Agenda

                                              1. Strengthening Access to Justice for Foreign Workers in Japan and Across Asia
                                              2. Advancing Peace, Human Security, and Non-Violent Approaches in an Increasingly Securitized Environment
                                              3. Addressing Environmental and Public Health Challenges through Multi-Stakeholder Cooperation
                                              4. Exploring Future Regional Collaboration, Networks, and Potential Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
                                                                    Registration Snippet - Periwinkle Theme

                                                                    Registration Fees

                                                                    RegistrationRegularApr 1 - Aug 31LateSep 1 - Nov 15
                                                                    In-Person$150.00$175.00

                                                                    Registration for this workshop will open soon and is separate from the APBC registration process.