Big Issues
The Big Issues section contains a selection of portals, each of which brings together the latest news, resources and tools on subjects of particular interest to the business and human rights movement. They are curated by our staff based all around the globe.
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COVID-19
COVID-19 has spread across the globe impacting millions of people. The outbreak has been accompanied by waves of misinformation, fears of increased government surveillance and factory shutdowns. You can find the latest news on the implications of the outbreak for business and human rights here.
Natural Resources
Energy, minerals, land and water sit at the heart of the transition to low-carbon economies, and at the start of every supply chain. However, the use of our planet's resources is all too often entwined with human rights abuse. Find out why we must ensure that the transition is both fast, and fair.
Technology & Human Rights
Technology offers powerful tools for society, but restrictions to digital freedom, and developments in artificial intelligence, automation and robotics, raise serious concerns about the impacts on human rights and the future of work.
Binding Treaty
In June 2014, the UN Human Rights Council took steps to elaborate an international legally binding instrument to regulate the activities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises. Read about the latest developments, our debate series, and wider steps towards Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence.
Gender, Business & Human Rights
Applying an intersectional approach is the most powerful way to tackle unfair treatment and transform the status quo. Gender justice must lie at the heart of business and human rights.
UN Guiding Principles
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are a set of guidelines for States and companies to prevent, address and remedy human rights abuses committed in business operations.
Pacific Business & Human Rights
Building visibility on business and human rights challenges in the resource-rich Pacific region, where human rights abuses by companies have historically flown under the radar.
Beyond Social Auditing
Numerous reports have found the social audits to be ineffective in capturing human rights abuses. What are the solutions and options for reform?
Mandatory Due Diligence
The growing worldwide movement to legally require companies to undertake human rights due diligence.
Human Rights Defenders & Civic Freedoms
HRDs’ work is essential to the business and human rights movement because of their critical importance for ensuring corporate responsibility and accountability. Yet, attacks on them are growing. This hub brings together news on these advocates and communities - specifically on land, environmental and labour defenders, guidance for companies and investors, and supportive business actions. It also links to our database of attacks and interview series.
Corporate Legal Accountability
This hub on corporate legal accountability for human rights abuses highlights significant lawsuits in all parts of the world.
Maritime Industry
Labour rights issues and human rights abuses in the maritime industry with a focus on seafaring, fishing and shipbreaking.
UN Working Group
The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights was established to promote and support the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles.
Gulf Business & Human Rights
There are an estimated 20 million migrant workers in the Gulf; they account for 10% migrants globally and up to 90% of the manual labour force in the Gulf. Despite making significant contributions to the economic development of their host countries, migrant workers face abuse, discrimination and exploitation by unscrupulous employers, as well as significant obstacles to access justice and remedy.
Modern Slavery
Tracking compliance with modern slavery legislation, strengthening corporate transparency and accountability and engaging brands to combat modern slavery.