Business and Human Rights in Asia
Enabling Sustainable Economic Growth
through the Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework
As part of UNDP's wider B+HR Asia programme, the European Union (EU) and the Government of Sweden have partnered with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Asia. This web-based platform provides updates and an introduction to the EU-supported project, B+HR Asia: Enabling Sustainable Economic Development through the Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework.
Asia has long been synonymous with economic dynamism.
Over the last several decades, new industries have taken root, employment rates and incomes have risen, and hundreds of millions of people have been lifted out of poverty. More recently, these gains have been put at risk, and in some countries fully reversed, with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The tragic consequences of the pandemic in Asia—lost lives, redundancies, and scarcity of essential goods and services—have also raised awareness of the vagaries and fragility of our globalized economy, precisely at a time when trade and investment discussions are at their most contentious.
The relationship between business and society are being considered closely, and expectations are rising quickly for greater respect for human rights in business operations and supply chains. In this moment, attention is turning to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the world’s most authoritative, normative framework for promoting responsible business practices, to provide a way forward.
The Project
B+HR Asia: Enabling Sustainable Economic Development through the Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework supports the implementation of the UNGPs in close partnership with Asian governments, business, and civil society, through dialogue, training, research, small grant provision and awareness raising activities.
In so doing, the joint EU-UNDP action aims to strengthen human rights conditions in business operations and supply chains, facilitating sustainable economic growth while promoting multilateralism.
The action is complemented by the Promoting Responsible Business Practices through Regional Partnerships project funded by the Government of Sweden.
EU-UNDP Partnership
The European Union finances the action under the Partnership Instrument with € 5.5 million to promote values shared by both the EU and UNDP. These values include greater levels of equality, respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The European Union is committed to the business and human rights agenda to support responsible trade, investment and business practices in Europe and around the world.
UNDP is implementing the action through a project team of nine full-time staff with the support of a word-wide network of experts in the area of business and human rights.
We will make a tangible impact in the region by enhancing human rights conditions and creating a more level playing field for business operating responsibly.
The European Union finances the action with € 5.5 million to promote values shared by both the EU and UNDP. These values include greater levels of equality, respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The European Union is committed to the business and human rights agenda to support responsible trade, investment and business practices in Europe and around the world.
UNDP is implementing the action through a project team of nine full-time staff with the support of a word-wide network of experts in the area of business and human rights.
We will make a tangible impact in the region by enhancing human rights conditions and creating a more level playing field for business operating responsibly.
Our Goals
B+HR Asia will reach its objectives through three component workstreams:
1 Awareness raising of the UNGPs and peer-to-peer exchange on lessons learned among key stakeholders to build knowledge and political will in furtherance of policy convergence and compliance, and help achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
2 Communication and public diplomacy efforts to build public support of business and human rights agenda.
3 Promotion of access to remedy to ensure rights-based solutions and prevent future human rights abuses.
B+HR Asia will reach its objectives through three component workstreams:
1 Awareness raising of the UNGPs and peer-to-peer exchange on lessons learned among key stakeholders to build knowledge and political will in furtherance of policy convergence and compliance, and help achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
2 Communication and public diplomacy efforts to build public support of business and human rights agenda.
3 Promotion of access to remedy to ensure rights-based solutions and prevent future human rights abuses.
Where we work
The project is carried out over a period of 48 months, from January 2020 to December 2023, in six Asian countries: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Full time National Specialists located in Country Offices work in partnership with local stakeholders to effectuate delivery.
During the project period, UNDP Country Offices will prioritize activities based on annual Business and Human Rights workplans specific to each country, prioritizing the most pressing issues and responding to the needs of local communities.
Highlights of the work ahead
In India, the project team will develop a platform to both raise awareness to and address human rights abuses in business operations and supply chains. The team is also supporting the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in the development of the country’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
In Sri Lanka, the team plans to raise awareness of the adverse impacts business operations have on women, girls and the environment. Research will be also be conducted on the intersection between international trade and human rights.
In Myanmar, the team will produce a series of videos, radio spots, podcasts, and other materials to raise communities' awareness of the relation between business activity and land acquisition and the new legal provisions for compensation.
In Thailand, the team is undertaking research on Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation and on the needs of human rights defenders. The study is expected to bridge the gaps between existing legislation and good practices, while exploring further protection measures for human rights defenders.
In Malaysia, the team is supporting the government in developing a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights by providing training, organizing stakeholder consultations and working on a National Baseline Assessment to inform discussions.
In Indonesia, the team will promote access to remedy with a focus on vulnerable groups like women, children, people with disabilities and indigenous people. The Country Office is also supporting the development of the governments National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
The project is carried out over a period of 48 months, from January 2020 to December 2023, in six Asian countries: India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Full time National Specialists located in Country Offices work in partnership with local stakeholders to effectuate delivery.
During the project period, UNDP Country Offices will prioritize activities based on annual Business and Human Rights workplans specific to each country, prioritizing the most pressing issues and responding to the needs of local communities.
Highlights of the work ahead
In India, the project team will develop a platform to both raise awareness to and address human rights abuses in business operations and supply chains. The team is also supporting the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in the development of the country’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
In Sri Lanka, the team plans to raise awareness of the adverse impacts business operations have on women, girls and the environment. Research will be also be conducted on the intersection between international trade and human rights.
In Myanmar, the team will produce a series of videos, radio spots, podcasts, and other materials to raise communities' awareness of the relation between business activity and land acquisition and the new legal provisions for compensation.
In Thailand, the team is undertaking research on Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation and on the needs of human rights defenders. The study is expected to bridge the gaps between existing legislation and good practices, while exploring further protection measures for human rights defenders.
In Malaysia, the team is supporting the government in developing a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights by providing training, organizing stakeholder consultations and working on a National Baseline Assessment to inform discussions.
In Indonesia, the team will promote access to remedy with a focus on vulnerable groups like women, children, people with disabilities and indigenous people. The Country Office is also supporting the development of the governments National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
What we offer
To Governments
States have a duty to protect workers and communities from business-related human rights abuses by taking appropriate steps to prevent, investigate and redress human rights abuses through effective policies, legislation regulation and enforcement action.
B+HR Asia provides technical support to governments and convenes stakeholders to enhance the drafting and implementation of National Action Plans and other policy instruments to ensure the protection of human rights.
How do we do this?
UNDP’s B+HR Asia: Promoting Responsible Business Practices through Regional Partnerships project—funded by the Government of Sweden—supported the development of Thailand's National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. EU-supported action will assist the government with implementation.
To Business
Businesses demonstrate respect for human rights by understanding the human rights risks their operations and supply chain partners pose, and preventing, mitigating, and remedying any adverse impacts. Businesses can better address human rights risks and impacts by conducting human rights due diligence.
Incorporating human rights due diligence in business operations also reduces reputational and operational risks.
B+HR Asia provides guidance and training on human rights due diligence to encourage companies operating in Asia to conduct human rights impact assessments and apply responsible business practices.
How do we do this?
The B+HR Asia has designed a simple and accessible tool titled Human Rights Due Diligence and COVID-19: Rapid Self-Assessment for Business—available in nine languages—to help businesses consider and manage the human rights impacts of their operations.
To Civil Society
Civil Society is central to bringing the UNGPs to life, facilitating consultations with affected communities and monitoring the implementation of strategic policy instruments on business and human rights.
For many years now, Civil Society Organizations in Asia have been drawing attention to business-related human rights abuses, while supporting communities and providing early warnings of emerging risks.
B+HR Asia provides convening platforms, partnership opportunities and support to amplify the voice of civil society and raise awareness of risks and adverse impacts of business operations on human rights.
How do we do this?
B+HR Asia conducted a COVID-19 impact analysis among Civil Society Organizations to ensure programme activities respond to the most pressing needs of affected communities.
Case in Point – Thailand
Tarinee Suravoranon, Business and Human Rights National Specialist
To Governments
States have a duty to protect workers and communities from business-related human rights abuses by taking appropriate steps to prevent, investigate and redress human rights abuses through effective policies, legislation regulation and enforcement action.
B+HR Asia provides technical support to governments and convenes stakeholders to enhance the drafting and implementation of National Action Plans and other policy instruments to ensure the protection of human rights.
How do we do this?
UNDP’s B+HR Asia: Promoting Responsible Business Practices through Regional Partnerships project—funded by the Government of Sweden—supported the development of Thailand's National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights. EU-supported action will assist the government with implementation.
To Business
Businesses demonstrate respect for human rights by understanding the human rights risks their operations and supply chain partners pose, and preventing, mitigating, and remedying any adverse impacts. Businesses can better address human rights risks and impacts by conducting human rights due diligence.
Incorporating human rights due diligence in business operations also reduces reputational and operational risks.
B+HR Asia provides guidance and training on human rights due diligence to encourage companies operating in Asia to conduct human rights impact assessments and apply responsible business practices.
How do we do this?
The B+HR Asia has designed a simple and accessible tool titled Human Rights Due Diligence and COVID-19: Rapid Self-Assessment for Business—available in nine languages—to help businesses consider and manage the human rights impacts of their operations.
To Civil Society
Civil Society is central to bringing the UNGPs to life, facilitating consultations with affected communities and monitoring the implementation of strategic policy instruments on business and human rights.
For many years now, Civil Society Organizations in Asia have been drawing attention to business-related human rights abuses, while supporting communities and providing early warnings of emerging risks.
B+HR Asia provides convening platforms, partnership opportunities and support to amplify the voice of civil society and raise awareness of risks and adverse impacts of business operations on human rights.
How do we do this?
B+HR Asia conducted a COVID-19 impact analysis among Civil Society Organizations to ensure programme activities respond to the most pressing needs of affected communities.
Case in Point – Thailand
Tarinee Suravoranon, Business and Human Rights National Specialist, UNDP Thailand
Stay in touch
Sean Lees, Business and Human Rights Specialist & Project Manager, UNDP Asia-Pacific region
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