This week, the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva brought together representatives of business, government and civil society for three days of open, frank and constructive dialogue.  Three messages came across loud and clear – businesses in all jurisdictions should take note:

(1) The direction of travel is towards hard law and responsibility throughout the value chain – businesses which voluntarily comply with the UNGPs and take advantage of emerging technology to do so will enjoy a competitive advantage [...]

(2) Not all mechanisms to access a remedy are complementary – law makers should seek to build on the consensus of the UNGPs and take care not inadvertently to undermine this [...]

(3) Human rights risk is legal risk.  It is also multidisciplinary and international.  Businesses and the lawyers who advise them need to be alive to this...