IOE launches two new guidance documents to advance business respect for human rights

How can employer organisations support business efforts to respect human rights? What do companies need to know to hard-wire respect for human rights into their business operations?

IOE has long been a leading player in the international business and human rights arena and has an ongoing commitment to advancing business respect for human rights, both through our global employer and business organisation (EBMO)-member network and directly with companies. As the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights approaches, we launch two new guidance documents to keep respect for human rights front and centre of the employer and business agenda.

"How can employer organisations support business respect for human rights?" explores the role IOE’s network can play in supporting member companies in their efforts to follow and implement the UN Guiding Principles, and other international standards, on business and human rights. It provides practical advice on the key steps that IOE members can take that will make a world of difference.

"Business and Human Rights: frequently asked questions (FAQ) for companies" is an outcome of IOE’s practical experience over many years of guiding and advising; conducting training courses, workshops, seminars and webinars; and responding to real-life enquiries and concerns from members’ affiliates and business partners.  This publication compiles and answers the questions that we are most frequently asked and provides tips and responses in a conversational and accessible style.  It is designed to help companies, and particularly SMEs, to feel more confident about what human rights mean for them, and how to identify, address and manage their human rights risks. With a view to future editions of this FAQ, we welcome new questions, as well as pointers to additional resources at national/regional level, to include in both publications.

Please refer to the Resources section to download these publications, the elaboration of which has been generously supported by the European Union.