This publication highlights the human rights impacts of business activities. It starts by looking at fundamental human rights principles and the human rights that are particularly relevant in the business context. It will become clear that human rights comprise more than the ‘rights at work’, with which businesses are familiar from the ILO’s core labour standards. It then considers the role that businesses should play in respecting these rights. Case studies illustrate where businesses have come up against, or even into conflict with, these rights in practice and explain the steps they have taken to fulfil their responsibilities. The conclusion sums up the opportunities and challenges facing businesses that opt for a human rights approach.