The UN Global Compact Network Australia is releasing a series of short Bite-sized Learning videos unpacking key human rights issues, risks and trends for Australian businesses.

In our latest episode, Manager, Human Rights at the UNGCNA, Chris Caskey, spoke with Lene Wendland, Chief, Business and Human Rights at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights about progress of the business and human rights agenda at the international level.

In this video, Lene discusses the evolution of business and human rights at the international level, noting trends such as the adoption of National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights and most recently the introduction of mandatory human rights due diligence (mHRDD) legislation in a number of countries. Lene also highlights challenges faced by businesses in embedding respect for human rights, including those associated with the use of emerging technologies and providing access to remedy. Finally, Lene provides an overview of the Human Rights 75 Initiative coordinated by the Office of the High Commissioner, including how businesses can get involved.

Human Rights 75 Initiative

• As part of the Human Rights 75 Initiative, the ‘Push for Pledges’ campaign is designed to encourage meaningful actions by States, civil society organisations, cities, national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and businesses.
• You can view more information about the initiative here and learn about making a pledge here.

Other resources mentioned in this video include:

• B-Tech Project (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights).
• Corporate Accountability and Remedy Project (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights).
• Human Rights Translated – A Business Reference Guide (Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, Monash University; International Business Leaders Forum; Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights; United Nations Global Compact).

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