The UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs) on Business and Human Rights, adopted by the UN Human Rights Council by Resolution 17/4 on 16 June 2011, are a set of 31 principles directed at governments and businesses that clarify their duties and responsibilities in the context of business operations.  

According to the UNGPs:  

• Governments have a duty to protect everyone within their jurisdiction from environmental and social impacts caused by business practice; 

• Businesses have a responsibility to avoid environmental and social impacts wherever they operate and whatever their size or industry, and address any impact that does occur;  

• When environmental and/or social impacts occur, both governments and businesses have a duty/responsibility to support victims to access effective remedies through judicial and non-judicial grievance mechanisms. 

The UNGPs serve as a key international standard for responsible business practice and a common platform for accountability against which the conduct of both governments and businesses can be assessed.