Analysis of human rights and business in a Danish context

The purpose of the project is to identify central issues for Denmark and Danish stakeholders in relation to international human rights obligations and develop a baseline on the implementation of international human rights and business frameworks.

Purpose

In 2011, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a set of Guiding Principles for human rights and business (UNGPs). The UNGPs focus on the State’s duty to protect, the corporate responsibility to respect, and the right of victims of abuses to access a remedy. Since then, a lot of action has been taken both internationally, in the EU and in Denmark to implement the UNGPs in practice, in particular through the development of National Action Plans. Denmark adopted such an national action plan in 2014.

In 2015, the UN adopted a set of international goals for sustainable development (the Sustainable Development Goals). The Global Goals do not focus exclusively on the role of the State, but also on the role of the private sector in promoting sustainable development.

The difference we make

Through cooperation and dialogue with Danish stakeholders, The Danish Institute for Human Rights will focus on how guidelines and goals for business and human rights are being implemented in a Danish context. Where are the challenges, and what can be improved? The consultation was conducted in 2015 and included 30 expert interviews as well as two dialogue meetings focussing on the human rights and business issues both within and outside of Denmark. The interviews and meetings included a broad representation of Danish stakeholders, from business, government and civil-society. The consultation report is available in Danish.

Partners

The project will be implemented by The Danish Institute for Human Rights in close cooperation with relevant Danish stakeholders.