All governments adhering to the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises are required to establish a National Contact Point (NCP). NCPs are mandated to further the effectiveness of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises ('the Guidelines') by undertaking promotional activities, handling enquiries and contributing to the resolution of issues that arise relating to the implementation of the Guidelines in specific instances. The Guidelines do not provide a formal definition of ‘specific instances’, however the term is used to describe situations of alleged non-observance of the Guidelines brought to NCPs. Between 2000-17, over 400 specific instances have been submitted to NCPs. Over this period, most NCPs have developed rules of procedure and continue to refine their processes of handling specific instances to address challenges and improve outcomes. The specific instance procedure is intended to provide a consensual, non-adversarial, “forum for discussion” for issues that arise relating to implementation of the Guidelines. The issue of coordination between NCPs represents an ongoing challenge to NCPs in handling specific instances.
Guide for National Contact Points on coordination when handling specific instances
