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Briefings and reports

This section contains briefings and reports published by the Business and Human Rights Centre.

To see briefings in all our languages, switch ON the ‘Show all languages’ toggle at the top of the page or in the menu.

Transition Minerals Tracker: 2026 global analysis

Human rights abuses in transition mineral mining are surging at an alarming rate. We recorded 329 new allegations of abuse at cobalt, copper, iron, lithium, bauxite, manganese, rare earth elements, nickel and zinc mining projects in 2025.

Highlighted releases

COPINH

Navigating a global crossroads: Human rights defenders and business in 2025

We documented nearly 800 attacks against human rights defenders raising concerns about business in 2025 – more than two attacks a day on average.

BHRC

Litigating the just energy transition: communities at the forefront of change

Communities and workers are suing companies and states over abusive mining and renewable energy projects. What does this mean for the energy transition?

Commercial priorities, human costs: fashion brands' purchasing practices during the US tariff crisis

We monitored global media coverage, supplier disclosure and direct testimony from unions and worker organisations across garment producing countries to understand how brand and buyer responses to US tariff changes translated into labour impacts across supply chains.

BHRRC

Videos: Canadian companies in Colombia

Canada’s reputation on the global stage is based on high human rights standards and progressive climate action. Yet in Colombia, communities affected by the operations of these industries report a litany of human rights abuses. This documentary series explores the uncomfortable gap between Canada’s image and its impact abroad, asking what happens when profit is prioritised over people.

Shutterstock (licensed)

“We were treated as if we were machines”: Migrant workers powering Saudi Arabia’s energy transition

Testimony from 34 migrant workers employed on nine renewable energy projects in Saudi Arabia reveals a litany of alleged human rights abuses. This briefing analyses the public human rights commitments of 16 companies linked to these projects and sets out recommendations for the sector.

Pexels - Ketut Subiyanto

Hidden risk is the most expensive: What investors need to know about high-risk surveillance technology

Surveillance technologies such as spyware, digital forensics tools, cell site simulators, and deep packet inspection systems are often marketed as “must-have” tools to combat crime or terrorism. These technologies sit at the intersection of security, innovation, and rising government demand, making them appear to be attractive investment opportunities. Yet for investors, this sector carries severe, under-recognised risks.

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224 results

  • Shutterstock

    State of play: Migrant workers' rights in Qatar at World Cup kick off

    18 Nov 2022

    The FIFA World Cup 2022 kicks off on 20 November in Doha. Ahead of the tournament, we break down what labour abuse looks like for the millions of migrant workers employed by the private sector in Qatar.

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  • BHRRC

    Australia: Modern Slavery Act fails to drive 'race to the top' as new report tracks compliance failures

    17 Nov 2022

    New report from civil society & academia coalition shows companies continue to fail to comply with the Australian Modern Slavery Act and take action on modern slavery

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  • IPRI

    Protector not prisoner: Exploring the rights violations & criminalization of Indigenous Peoples in climate actions

    10 Nov 2022

    This briefing, co-published with Indigenous Peoples Rights International, explores how climate actions which do not center human rights have been harmful to Indigenous peoples, as well as the scale of attacks Indigenous defenders face when protecting their lands, territories, natural resources, and communities from such projects. It provides examples of Indigenous resistance to harmful climate actions in Kenya, the Philippines, Russia, Peru, Nepal, Indonesia, and Norway, as well as related legal decisions upholding the rights of Indigenous communities.

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  • Business and human rights defenders in Southeast Asia

    1 Nov 2022

    Human rights defenders across the globe are protecting our rights, natural resources and shared planet. Their work highlighting risks in company operations and supply chains and advocating for responsible business practices is vital to support a just transition to green economies and a more sustainable future for all. Despite this critical work, HRDs in Southeast Asia often experience high levels of risk and strong backlash. We explore the risks and challenges faced by HRDs raising concerns about business operations in Southeast Asia.

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  • Shutterstock

    Investing in renewable energy to power a just transition: a practical guide for investors

    25 Oct 2022

    Renewable energy presents a singular investment opportunity, but human rights—especially the rights of human rights defenders, Indigenous Peoples and communities, must be front-of-mind for the burgeoning industry. This guide helps investors make better decisions for a fast and fair transition.

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  • Shutterstock

    Unpicked: Fashion & Freedom of Association

    11 Oct 2022

    We interviewed 24 trade union leaders and surveyed 124 union activists and labour advocates in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka on freedom of association during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly two thirds (61%) said the situation for freedom of association and collective bargaining has “got worse” since the pandemic.

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  • Shutterstock (purchased)

    Scrutinising migration surveillance: Human rights responsibilities of tech companies operating in MENA

    28 Sep 2022

    Digital surveillance tools are increasingly linked to allegations of human rights abuse in the context of border management and migration in the Middle East and North Africa. We analysed allegations and asked 24 tech companies which have allegedly produced or provided surveillance technologies to governments in the MENA region to respond to questions about their corporate transparency and human rights due diligence processes.

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  • KATRIBU via International Rivers

    Business and human rights defenders in Asia-Pacific

    19 Sep 2022

    Human rights defenders across the globe are protecting our rights, natural resources and shared planet. Their work highlighting risks in company operations and supply chains and advocating for responsible business practices is vital to support a just transition to green economies and a more sustainable future for all. Despite this critical work, HRDs in Asia-Pacific often experience high levels of risk and strong backlash. We explore the risks and challenges faced by HRDs raising concerns about business operations in Asia-Pacific.

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  • Shutterstock

    Forced labour risks, remedy and changing regulation: KnowTheChain investor briefing

    13 Sep 2022

    The risk of forced labour in global supply chains remains one of the most significant human rights issues for companies – and their investors – worldwide. Despite this, KnowTheChain data indicates major companies in high-risk sectors like apparel and footwear, ICT, and food and beverage are failing to identify risks and remediate forced labour in their supply chains. We set out recommendations for investors to play a critical role in interrogating human rights due diligence efforts and companies’ attempts to remediate forced labour.

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  • Shutterstock

    Buffering rights: How Europe's new due diligence regulation can help reverse tech rights risks

    3 Aug 2022

    Europe’s welcome draft Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive has enormous potential to insist the tech sector transforms itself to end abuse, and contributes to shared prosperity and effective democracy. We look at the key areas in need of improvement to strengthen the draft Directive and shape a rights-respecting tech sector.

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