Regional briefing on business & human rights in Western Europe: "A challenge to end business-related human rights abuses" - 1 May 2014

Three years after their endorsement [of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights], what are some of the key achievements in the region, and where do companies and governments continue to fall short in protecting against business-related human rights abuses? The briefing highlights that business-related human rights abuses continue in the region, especially affecting vulnerable groups such as migrant workers, and minorities. Most governments have been slow to develop action plans to implement the Guiding Principles: only three [Denmark, Netherlands, UK] have finalised their plans...At the same time, the briefing emphasises the leading role that some companies and governments in the region have taken in the field of business and human rights. The briefing identifies key areas of concern, explores existing progress at addressing them, and suggests recommendations for action...

Press release:            English   French   Spanish

Executive summary:  English   French   Spanish

Full briefing:             English

Commentary: 

"Businesses across Europe and central Asia are still violating workers' rights", Eniko Horvath & Ella Skybenko, on Guardian Sustainable Business, 1 May 2014