Business frameworks and actions to support human rights defenders: a retrospective and recommendations

The protection of human rights defenders (HRDs) in relation to business activities is vital. HRDs play a crucial role in safeguarding human rights and environmental standards against adverse impacts of business operations globally. Despite their essential work, defenders frequently face severe risks, including threats, surveillance, legal and judicial harassment, and violence.  

The “Business Frameworks and Actions to Support Human Rights Defenders: a Retrospective and Recommendations” takes stock of the frameworks, tools, and advocacy developed over the last decade to protect and support HRDs in the context of business activities and operations. This new report documents the emergence of a global normative framework, shaped by civil society, UN bodies, investors, and forward-looking companies, that defines what responsible corporate conduct toward defenders entails. This includes the creation of the Business Network on Civic Freedoms and Human Rights Defenders, the Alliance for Land, Indigenous and Environmental Defenders (ALLIED) and the Zero Tolerance Initiative; the 2018 ISHR and Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC)’s foundational report Shared Space Under Pressure, the 2024 Business and Human Rights Indicators, a cross-sector benchmark to assess corporate performance on the rights of defenders, among other developments.    

The report examines how various standards have been operationalised through company policies, investor guidance, multi stakeholder initiatives, legal reforms, and sector-specific commitments. At the same time, it highlights how despite these advancements, the actual implementation by businesses remains inadequate. Effective corporate action remains insufficient, highlighting a critical gap that must be urgently addressed to ensure defenders can safely carry out their vital work protecting human rights and environmental justice. In order to address this, drawing on case studies, civil society tracking tools, and policy analysis, the report identifies key barriers to effective protection and proposes targeted recommendations. 

Recommendations for States: 

• enact and implement legislation recognising the right to defend rights and the vital role of defenders in promoting human rights, sustainable development and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and committing to zero-tolerance for attacks
• adopt specific laws and policies that discourage the use of strategic litigations against public participation (SLAPPs) 
• enforce strong legislative frameworks for mandatory human rights due diligence
• implement mechanisms to prevent corporate complicity in abuses against HRDs
• protect civic freedoms essential for defenders’ safe operations
• provide accessible and effective remedies for affected HRDs. 

 Recommendations for companies and industry associations: 

• adopt and implement zero-tolerance policies towards attacks against HRDs
• strengthen and include HRDs in comprehensive human rights due diligence processes
• respect Indigenous defenders and People’s rights to self-determination and free prior and informed consent
• ensure safe grievance mechanisms
• refrain from supporting limits on civic freedoms or using and engaging in judicial harassment and SLAPPs
• actively engage with HRDs in decision-making processes
• require the same commitments from business partners and suppliers. 

Recommendations for multi-stakeholder initiatives: 

• enhance collective leverage to support defenders and civic space
• foster transparency and accountability within corporate operations
• facilitate safe and effective participation of HRDs in dialogue and policy formulation
• regularly assess and publicly report on corporate actions and impacts related to HRDs. 

Recommendations for institutional investors and international financial institutions: 

• integrate defender-specific criteria in investment decisions and due diligence
• advocate proactively for civic freedoms and protection of HRDs
• develop clear policies and frameworks to address retaliation against defenders
• regularly monitor and address human rights defender-related risks within investment portfolios. 

Recommendations for human rights defenders and civil society who decide to engage with companies: 

• identify what companies can do to provide safer spaces for HRDs
• facilitate platforms for HRDs to discuss challenges and lessons learned about engagement with companies.