Business and human rights
For more than 20 years, we have helped clarify and strengthen the roles and responsibilities of state and non-state actors with regard to human rights in the context of business activities.
International consensus on the matter was established with the landmark adoption of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the revision of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises in 2011. The global community is expecting businesses to respect, not undermine human rights.
We work with state actors including national human rights institutions as well as and business, financial and civil society actors to enhance business respect for human rights including through the development of smart policy and regulatory frameworks. Our thematic focus areas include: technology, finance and the green transition.
Smart regulatory and policy frameworks
We work with partners to advance implementation business and human rights instruments at the national level, and we work on the development of policy, regulatory and remedial frameworks addressing human rights in global supply chains.
Technology and human rights
We work with a multitude of actors in the digital ecosystem in order to ensure that human rights are placed at the centre of digital activities.
Finance and human rights
We focus on furthering the role and relevance of human rights in a sustainable financial system through collaborating directly with financial actors as well as engaging in policy and standard-setting efforts.
The green transition and human rights
Our work includes embedding human rights in the transition to renewable energies and ensuring a human rights-based approach to the oceans economy.
Addressing the gender dimensions of business and human rights
We develop analysis and resources on the gender dimensions of business and human rights, including through partnerships and global networks.
National human rights institutions
We support national human rights institutions and build their capacity in the area of business and human rights.
Working with business
We engage with the private sector in order to improve respect for human rights. Based on our experiences, we produce public reports, tools and guidance and engage in standard-setting and policy work at national and international levels.
We have recently phased out bilateral advisory services with individual companies, however we continue to engage with companies through other means, for instance through sectoral or multi actor initiatives.
Find our principles of engagement in contracted advisory services here
Recent publications
Our work includes research and guidance and actively pursuing publications of collaborations, learnings and results.
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