Human rights defenders (HRDs) face intimidation, violence, and criminalization when companies fail to respect human rights in their value chains. Individual and collective action must be taken to rapidly and responsibly develop and implement zero-tolerance policies and procedures regarding protections for HRDs affected by intimidation, violence, and criminalization in value chains. Zero-tolerance means companies must use their leverage to address the root causes, and depending on the situation, press for the prevention, cessation and remedy of attacks against HRDs. This document presents recommendations on minimum requirements for the development of private sector policies and procedures regarding protections for HRDs.

 

“Committing to Protections for Human Rights Defenders” is a living document that will be periodically updated with inputs from rightsholders.