Global Business Initiative on Human Rights

Why?

Beginning in the mid-1990s, there has been a steady rise in the expectation of companies to meet their corporate responsibility to respect human rights and so be part of creating socially sustainable business plans, value chains, markets and economies.

Many more companies in all parts of the world and in all industries now see the clear, long-term business case for respecting human rights including improved risk management, improved compliance, efficiency gains, reduced operational disruption, sustained license to operate, new business models, reduced reputational risk and access to capital and markets. At the same time, many businesses recognize they are still at the start of their human rights journey.

In June 2011 - following decades of leadership from civil society, investors, NGOS, governments and business itself - the United Nations endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Businesses expect a lot of attention on implementing these principles over the months and years ahead from investors, governments and civil society.

Through business-to-business learning, GBI seeks to advance understanding, commitment and implementation of corporate responsibility to respect human rights.

Our Work

UN Guiding Principles Action-Learning: Acknowledging that for GBI member companies implementation of respect for human rights is a journey, member companies work together to understand good practice and responses to dilemmas regarding implementation of UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights with a focus on the “Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights”.

For example, GBI is working in partnership with the Institute for Human Rights and Business on State of Play Report for Responsibility to Respect in Contractual Relationships: This project will explore human rights considerations and good practices in multiple business relationships (joint venture, mergers, acquisitions, franchises, customers, end-users etc.) with private and public entities.

Catalyzing Business Action Globally: GBI undertakes awareness and capacity building efforts in diverse regions of the world. GBI efforts in one region usually span 9-months where the following is delivered in partnership with local CSR and human rights organizations: Business and Human Rights panels and speeches during key corporate responsibility conferences; a major Business and Human Rights Roundtable for approximately 150 business leaders headquartered in the region; follow-up engagements whereby GBI supports others to lead local Business and Human Rights activities for the business community.

For example, on 31 March 2011 in São Paulo, GBI co-convened a business roundtable entitled Human Rights and Business Practices: Understanding Responsibilities. The event was the first of its kind in Brazil and provided space for a unique exchange among Latin American business. The session brought together experiences of 150 individuals - over 120 business representatives (with almost 60 domestic Brazilian companies represented).

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