The Evolution of Human Rights Due Diligence: A Developmental History

Human rights due diligence has become a crucial aspect of business operations worldwide. The concept, which involves identifying and mitigating potential human rights risks, has evolved significantly over the years. In this article, we will delve into the developmental history of human rights due diligence, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and best practices.

The Early Days of Human Rights Due Diligence (1970s-1990s)

The concept of human rights due diligence began to take shape in the 1970s, when multinational corporations faced increasing scrutiny for their operations in developing countries. The United Nations (UN) played a pivotal role in promoting human rights, with the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that human rights due diligence started to gain traction.

According to a study by the International Labor Organization (ILO), approximately 70% of multinational corporations had no human rights policies in place by the mid-1990s. This lack of awareness and commitment to human rights led to numerous cases of human rights abuses, including child labor, forced labor, and environmental degradation.

The Turning Point: The UN Global Compact and the Protect, Respect, and Remedy Framework (2000s)

The turn of the century marked a significant turning point in the development of human rights due diligence. In 2000, the UN launched the Global Compact, a voluntary initiative that encourages businesses to adopt sustainable and responsible practices, including respect for human rights.

In 2008, the UN Human Rights Council endorsed the Protect, Respect, and Remedy Framework, a landmark initiative that outlines the human rights responsibilities of states and businesses. The framework emphasizes the importance of human rights due diligence in preventing and mitigating human rights risks.

The Rise of Regulatory Requirements and Industry Standards (2010s)

The 2010s saw a surge in regulatory requirements and industry standards related to human rights due diligence. The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (2010) and the UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) are notable examples of legislation that requires businesses to disclose their efforts to address human trafficking and modern slavery in their supply chains.

Industry standards, such as the Fair Labor Association (FLA) and the Fairmined certification, have also emerged to promote responsible business practices. According to a report by the FLA, the number of companies reporting on their human rights performance increased by 50% between 2010 and 2018.

Human Rights Due Diligence Today: Challenges and Best Practices

Despite significant progress, human rights due diligence remains a complex and challenging task for businesses. According to a survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit, 71% of executives acknowledge that human rights risks pose a significant threat to their business operations.

To overcome these challenges, businesses must adopt a robust human rights due diligence framework that includes:

  1. Conducting thorough risk assessments: Identifying potential human rights risks and impacts throughout the value chain.
  2. Engaging with stakeholders: Collaborating with civil society organizations, workers, and local communities to understand their concerns and priorities.
  3. Integrating human rights into core business practices: Embedding human rights considerations into decision-making processes and business operations.
  4. Reporting and disclosing human rights performance: Publishing regular reports on human rights performance and progress towards addressing identified risks.

Conclusion

The evolution of human rights due diligence is a story of progress, but also of ongoing challenges. As businesses navigate complex global supply chains and emerging regulatory requirements, it is essential to prioritize human rights due diligence.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences on human rights due diligence. How do you think businesses can better address human rights risks and promote sustainable development? Leave a comment below to join the conversation!