In many Asian countries, including India, rapid economic growth has led to social and environmental disruption and even labour exploitation, in some cases. Showcasing its commitment towards the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India had presented the Zero Draft of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Business and Human Rights in 2018. In August 2020, MCA  released framework for Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting, which SEBI urged for use by top 1,000 listed entities by market capitalisation on voluntary basis for financial year 2021-22, and on a mandatory basis from 2022-23.

This project aims to:

• Raise awareness of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), and enable exchange of best practices among key stakeholders to build knowledge. Through the creation of the National Action Plan in sync with the UNGPs, for the implementation of the business and human rights, the project will aspire to build political will around the issue of sustainable business.
• Build public support of the business and human rights agenda through communication and public diplomacy efforts with various stakeholder groups. Through strategic advocacy, the project will garner support for the core issue of labour rights, especially for women, as part of trade and investment policy.
• The project will build capacity of businesses to conduct human rights due diligence and support in setting up redressal mechanisms in cases where gaps are identified. Through promoting access to remedy via strengthened justice systems, the project will ensure rights-based solutions and prevent future human rights abuses resulting from business operations.