Human Rights and Business

Corporations are confronted with a plethora of human rights issues. Particularly global business enterprises are exposed to public scrutiny, frequently accused of being in breach of human rights principles, in particular along their supply chain, and blamed of knowingly or unknowingly benefitting from human rights abuses. In the meantime many corporations have developed specific measures to avoid human rights violations and guarantee human rights protection. It often remains unclear, however, which actions deliver appropriate and effective results. Corporations frequently find themselves in a dilemma, in which all decisions inevitably lead to undesired outcomes. Thus, corporations increasingly assume political responsibility by means of business initiatives geared towards improving human rights practices.

The Centre for Human Rights Studies of the University of Zurich (UZHR) is committed to analyzing the corporations' responsibility as well as the opportunities and limits of their human rights enforcement, and develops possible practical suggestions for the enterprises' daily business.

In general:

• On our information platform you can find a selection of references for further information for enterprises on how to implement human rights within business activities.
• Since 2012, the UZHR monitors the activities of the Thun Group of Banks, a group of international banks, as a scientific advisor in the context of implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in the financial sector. For more information see here.
• A selection of publications of the UZHR in the context of Human Rights and Business can be found here.
• The UZHR offers payed services such as expert advisory services or customised trainings in the field of Human Rights and Business. More information about our services can be found here.

SCHR publications