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Business and human rights
Business activities generate jobs, revenue, innovation, goods and services needed to realise human rights. However, companies, whether local or multinational, publicly or privately operated, also have negative impacts on the rights of individuals and communities.
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Illustration: Ditte Lander Ahlgren
Human rights abuses occur in all types of economic sectors and across global supply chains. Examples include child labour and other labour rights infringements in the manufacturing of goods, forced evictions of communities as a result of extractive projects, to gender-based violence facilitated by technology
For more than 25 years, we have helped clarify and strengthen the roles and responsibilities of State and businesses with regard to human rights in the context of economic activities. International consensus on the matter was established with the adoption of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in 2011. The global community is expecting businesses to respect, not undermine human rights. We help to put these principles into practice.
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
The UN Guiding Principles of Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) were adopted unanimously by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011 after many years of debates and consultations on roles and responsibilities of non-state actors, in this context companies, in relation to human rights. The UN Guiding Principles are an authoritative interpretation of previously agreed international human rights instruments and do not create new obligations. They are structured around 3 pillars: the obligation of the state to protect human rights against the actions of non-state actors; the corporate responsibility to respect human rights through the conduct of human rights due diligence; the right to an effective remedy for those whose rights have been negatively impacted by business activities. Since their adoption, the UNGPs have been integrated in a range of other instruments shaping business conduct, such as for example the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Entreprises on Responsible Business Conduct.
Who we work with
We work with State actors including other national human rights institutions（https://www.humanrights.dk/national-human-rights-institutions-business-human-rights） , with standard setters as well as with business actors, financial institutions（https://www.humanrights.dk/working-business-financial-institutions） and civil society to enhance business respect for human rights .
How we work
We develop analyses, create guidance and tools for assessing, preventing, addressing and accounting for human rights impacts connected to business activities. We encourage and convene multi-stakeholder dialogue and learning to address complex issues across global value chains. We support the development of policy and regulatory frameworks at national level or with a global reach.
What we work on
Explore the different thematics we work within. Under each of the themes you will find projects, publications and other activities.
Mandatory human rights due diligence and corporate sustainability regulation（https://www.humanrights.dk/mandatory-human-rights-due-diligence-corporate-sustainability-regulation）
We work to advance a smart mix of legal, policy and voluntary measures at national and international levels which foster business respect for human rights, including legislation requiring companies to conduct human rights due diligence.
Human rights in the green transition（https://www.humanrights.dk/human-rights-green-transition）
To combat climate change and its devastating impacts on human rights and the environment, a transition away from fossils fuels is urgently needed. However, to be a “just transition” and deliver on its promises, it must advance without compromising on human rights.
Technology and human rights（https://www.humanrights.dk/technology）
We work with a multitude of actors in the digital ecosystem to ensure that human rights are placed at the centre of digital activities.
Finance and human rights（https://www.humanrights.dk/finance-human-rights）
We work to ensure that governments, standard setters and financial actors foster a financial system that enables respect and support for human rights.
Read more（https://www.humanrights.dk/projects/national-action-plans-business-human-rights）
Projects
National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights（https://www.humanrights.dk/projects/national-action-plans-business-human-rights）
This project supports the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Human Rights and Business (UNGPs) at the national level.
National Human Rights Institutions and Business and Human Rights（https://www.humanrights.dk/national-human-rights-institutions-business-human-rights）
We support National Human Rights Institutions in using their mandates and different functions to protect and promote human rights in the context of business activities.
Where we work
Business and human rights e-learning
Learning Hub
Try our free, open, and self-paced courses to help strengthen your knowledge on how to ensure business respect for human rights. Whether you are new to the topic or looking to deepen your expertise, these courses offer practical insights on how to integrate responsible business conduct into your work.
Read more about our e-learning courses（https://www.humanrights.dk/business-human-rights-e-learning）
Tools
Read more（https://www.humanrights.dk/tools/human-rights-impact-assessment-guidance-toolbox）