Human Rights Policy Development and Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Implementation
There are increasing consumer, investor and governmental demands that
companies respect human rights in their operations, including their supply
chain.
Companies can demonstrate that they respect human rights and avoid engaging in human rights-related
abuses by carrying out human rights due diligence (HRDD), outlined in the UN
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). HRDD processes seek to
identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how businesses address their
adverse human rights impacts.
By developing and carrying out their
HRDD strategy, business organizations:
|
· Minimize or eliminate their direct
involvement in human rights abuse |
· Minimize their exposure to adverse human
rights impacts that may be linked to their operations, services or business
relationships |
|
· Exercise appropriate leverage to address
adverse human rights impacts |
· Maximize their human rights opportunities to
gain a competitive advantage over industry competition |
|
· Reduce their risk of abuse claims by
demonstrating their steps to avoid direct and/or indirect involvement in an
alleged human rights abuse. |
· Make informed business decisions and secure
social licenses to operate |
|
· Ensure compliance with existing internal
policies and standards (e.g. Human Rights
Policy and Procedure, Code of Ethics, and Supplier Code of Conduct) |
· Maintain sustainable relationships with
stakeholders |
The Foundation for International Human Rights Reporting Standards (FIHRRST) works with companies to develop a governance system that demonstrates their respect for human rights according to the UNGPs and other internationally recognized human rights standards and principles.
We help companies proactively respond to present and future mandatory HRDD legislation by supporting their efforts to develop and implement stand-alone human rights policies and human rights due diligence procedures. We also help companies embed these policies and procedures in their processes and practices, including communicating their human rights expectations to their supply chain partners. Additionally, FIHRRST carries out human rights impact assessments and assists companies in addressing, mitigating and remediating adverse human rights impacts.
For more information, contact us at: info@fihrrst.org