Global Compact Network Sri Lanka launches Business and Human Rights Accelerator

Global Compact Network Sri Lanka has launched the Business and Human Rights Accelerator, a six-month learning programme, to equip companies with the tools and knowledge they need to establish an ongoing human rights due diligence process and ensure they are meeting their responsibility to respect human rights. 

Such a robust corporate human rights due diligence process shifts companies from a ‘risks to business’ to a ‘risks to people’ approach.

The Business and Human Rights Accelerator will help companies understand when, where and how business impacts human rights and how to prioritise the most salient issues for action while identifying the most appropriate measures to mitigate risks, track the effectiveness of their efforts and communicate effectively to stakeholders about their progress. Such a robust corporate human rights due diligence process shifts companies from a risks to business to a risks to people approach.

“Business, whether directly or indirectly, impacts almost the entire spectrum of internationally recognised human rights. It impacts the human rights of employees and contract workers, workers in their supply chains, the communities around their operations and even the end users of their products and services. By completing the Business and Human Rights Accelerator, companies will not only learn how to reduce or prevent negative human rights impacts but also build a competitive advantage by ultimately becoming a powerful force for good,” said UN Global Compact Assistant Secretary General, Executive Director and CEO Sanda Ojiambo.

“Understanding the rights of the stakeholders is the minimum standard expected from any business. Today, more than ever stakeholders are well-aware of their rights in the workplace, marketplace and community and they are integral to business. Upholding the standards and fulfilling stakeholder expectations is almost non-negotiable for those who aspire to position themselves as responsible businesses with good governance,” said UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Executive Director Rathika de Silva. 

“The Business and Human Rights Accelerator is a welcome step and a building block for companies to progress and evolve in this space. A closer relationship with employees will improve information flow and transparency, enhancing productivity and performance and helping businesses nurture their human capital. This will in turn help proactively navigate reputational risk and strengthen competitive advantage. Driving positive change and being stronger together is in everyone’s interest, ultimately enabling business and society to live in greater harmony,” said Business and Human Rights Working Group Board Advisor and UN Global Compact Network Sri Lanka Board Member Choliya De Silva.