Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
The Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) is an international non-profit organization that works to advance human rights in business and hold companies accountable for their human rights practices. Established in 2002, the BHRRC focuses on exposing and addressing the negative impacts of businesses on communities, workers, and the environment. The organization collects and publishes reports, monitors corporate activities, and promotes corporate transparency and responsibility on human rights issues.
For more information, visit the BHRRC official website.
Overview
BHRRC plays a crucial role in increasing corporate accountability by encouraging businesses to respect human rights and contribute positively to society. The organization gathers information from a wide range of sources, including civil society organizations, workers, and companies themselves, to ensure that accurate and balanced perspectives are presented. By amplifying the voices of affected communities and workers, BHRRC creates a platform that enables them to hold businesses accountable for human rights violations.
The organization also engages directly with companies, providing them with the opportunity to respond to human rights allegations made against them, fostering a culture of transparency and dialogue.
Key Activities
Corporate Accountability
BHRRC focuses on holding companies accountable for their human rights impacts. The organization monitors companies’ activities across various sectors and geographies, identifying instances where human rights are compromised. It publishes these findings to raise awareness and pressure companies into improving their practices.
You can access their reports and data on corporate human rights performance here.
Company Responses
BHRRC invites companies to respond to allegations of human rights abuses. By doing so, the organization promotes dialogue and ensures that businesses have the chance to explain their actions or take steps to rectify the issues raised. These responses are published on the BHRRC platform alongside the allegations, allowing the public to evaluate the company’s actions.
Explore company responses on BHRRC’s platform here.
Sectoral and Thematic Focus
BHRRC addresses human rights issues across several industries, including mining, agriculture, construction, and finance. The organization also focuses on specific themes, such as labor rights, indigenous rights, and climate justice. This thematic approach ensures that BHRRC’s work is comprehensive and addresses a wide range of human rights concerns in different sectors.
For a closer look at sector-specific reports and issues, visit their Industry Hub.
Modern Slavery and Forced Labor
One of BHRRC’s primary concerns is combating modern slavery and forced labor. The organization monitors global corporate practices to identify instances where companies are linked to forced labor or exploitative conditions, especially in supply chains. By reporting on these issues, BHRRC raises awareness and urges companies to improve labor conditions and prevent exploitation.
You can find more resources on modern slavery and forced labor on BHRRC’s dedicated page.
Climate Change and Human Rights
Climate change is another key area of focus for BHRRC. The organization examines the role of businesses in contributing to climate change and how it affects human rights, particularly for vulnerable communities. BHRRC advocates for corporate action to reduce environmental damage and supports initiatives that promote climate justice.
For more on BHRRC’s work related to climate change, visit their Climate Justice Hub.
Tools and Resources
BHRRC provides several tools and resources to empower civil society, workers, and businesses to address human rights issues more effectively:
Company Dashboards
BHRRC offers comprehensive company dashboards that compile data on specific businesses’ human rights performance. These dashboards allow users to track how companies are managing human rights risks and what steps they are taking to address allegations of abuse.
Explore the Company Dashboards for more insights.
Legal Accountability Database
The Corporate Legal Accountability Database is one of the most important resources provided by BHRRC. It documents legal cases involving corporate human rights abuses, offering a global overview of litigation and legal actions taken against companies for violating human rights. The database is a valuable tool for researchers, activists, and legal professionals working to promote corporate accountability.
You can access the Corporate Legal Accountability Database.
Reports and Briefings
BHRRC publishes regular reports and briefings on key human rights issues, offering in-depth analysis of corporate behavior and its impacts on communities and workers. These publications provide crucial information for policymakers, journalists, and advocates working to address corporate human rights abuses.
Access their latest publications here.
Global Reach and Impact
BHRRC operates on a global scale, working with partners and contributors from every region. The organization has regional researchers who monitor business practices and human rights conditions in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and North America. By maintaining this global presence, BHRRC ensures that its work is relevant to diverse contexts and that human rights abuses are addressed regardless of geographic location.
Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB)
One of BHRRC’s major contributions to corporate accountability is the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB). The CHRB ranks the human rights performance of some of the world’s largest companies, offering a transparent and standardized way to assess how businesses respect human rights. The benchmark is a powerful tool for investors, consumers, and civil society to hold companies accountable for their human rights impacts.
Explore the latest CHRB rankings here.
Partnerships and Collaborations
BHRRC collaborates with various organizations, human rights groups, and civil society networks to further its mission. These partnerships are crucial in amplifying its impact, particularly in regions where corporate abuses are rampant, and local communities need support in fighting for their rights.
Open Access and Free Resources
All resources provided by BHRRC are freely accessible to the public. By offering open access to its data, reports, and tools, the organization ensures that anyone can use the information to promote better business practices and defend human rights.
Social Media Presence
BHRRC maintains a strong presence on social media platforms, using these channels to share updates, reports, and news related to business and human rights. Through its active engagement online, BHRRC connects with a global audience of human rights advocates, business leaders, and policymakers.
- Facebook: Follow BHRRC on Facebook for updates on human rights issues and corporate accountability.
- LinkedIn: Connect with BHRRC on LinkedIn to stay informed about their latest activities and reports.
- Instagram: BHRRC also shares visual content and stories on Instagram.
- X (formerly Twitter): Follow BHRRC on X for real-time updates and discussions on human rights in business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre?
BHRRC is an international non-profit organization that focuses on promoting human rights in business by monitoring corporate practices, exposing abuses, and encouraging accountability.
How does BHRRC monitor companies?
BHRRC collects and publishes information from civil society organizations, companies, workers, and other sources to track corporate activities and hold businesses accountable for human rights violations.
How can companies respond to allegations made against them?
BHRRC offers companies the opportunity to respond to human rights allegations by providing their side of the story. These responses are published alongside the allegations, fostering transparency and dialogue.
What tools does BHRRC provide for human rights defenders?
BHRRC offers various tools, including the Corporate Legal Accountability Database and Company Dashboards, which provide valuable information on corporate human rights performance and legal cases involving businesses.
Can I access BHRRC’s resources for free?
Yes, all resources provided by BHRRC, including reports, databases, and tools, are freely available to the public.
For more information, you can visit the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre website and explore their resources to better understand corporate human rights issues and how they can be addressed.