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Business and Human Rights in Asia

Our Work

B+HR Asia

Promoting responsible business conduct in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

UNDP supports dialogue, awareness and training on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam. In several countries, UNDP is supporting governments in the development and implementation of National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights. UNDP also works with civil society, providing grants to organizations in the region in support of human rights defenders. UNDP’s work with businesses includes developing due diligence tools, conducting training for staff, and supporting impact assessments. 

 

Where We Work

South Asia

Bangladesh - India - Nepal - Pakistan - Sri Lanka

Southeast Asia

Indonesia - Lao PDR - Malaysia - Myanmar - Thailand -  Viet Nam

Central and East Asia

Mongolia

Map of Asia without borders

Our Focus Areas

NATIONAL ACTION PLANS ON BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

UNDP convenes stakeholders and provides advice to governments on the development of National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights. UNDP also facilitates forums during which civil society and human rights defenders encourage governments to act.
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

UNDP assists National Human Rights Institutions and civil society organizations working with human rights defenders to provide legal assistance in furtherance of remedies. For example, UNDP provides support to civil society organizations working on legal aid provision to human rights defenders, with a focus on environmental rights defenders.
GENDER EQUALITY

UNDP guides States and businesses on how to integrate gender perspectives into UNGPs implementation in furtherance of women’s rights. UNDP also supports businesses in conducting human rights impact assessments to prevent gender-based discrimination.
RESPONSIBLE TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Through public events and publications, UNDP promotes policy coherence between the UNGPs and trade and investment policy, business regulation, labor laws, and other legal and regulatory frameworks that impact on business practices.
KNOWLEDGE SHARING AND DIALOGUE

UNDP convenes stakeholders to facilitate peer learning, South-South exchange, and capacity building on the UNGPs, including by organizing regional forums and dialogues on business and human rights
SUSTAINING PEACE

UNDP works with businesses to set up grievance mechanisms and complaint systems leading to greater access to justice and effective remedies. We advocate for businesses to apply a do-no-harm approach when engaging with conflict-affected communities.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

UNDP works with States to ensure they fulfil their duty to protect human rights, including environmental rights. We support businesses in conducting human rights and environmental impact assessments to prevent adverse impacts on the environment.