Human Rights and Business Learning Tool

What is the Human Rights and Business Learning Tool?

The Learning Tool is an entry-level e-learning course for companies on Human Rights and Business.

The tool focuses on the two Global Compact human rights principles that are:

Principle 1: Business should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights, and
Principle 2: Make sure that they are not complicit in human right abuses.

The tool also focuses on the related concepts of spheres of influence and complicity.

How was the Learning Tool developed?

The tool was developed for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) by the UN System Staff College, in cooperation with the UN Global Compact.

The tool's development followed a period of consultation with companies participating in the UN Global Compact concerning their learning needs in relation to human rights. The tool also benefited from consultations with company representatives and experts during the drafting phase, and from additional comments received during its 3-months pilot phase.

What is the Learning Tool's objective?

The tool's objective is to help managers and Corporate Social Responsibility professionals in companies participating in the UN Global Compact to understand what human rights are and how they are relevant to their business operations.

While the course is designed to be directly useful to Global Compact participants, it may also be relevant to companies not yet participating in the Global Compact.

How does the Learning Tool work and how do you access it?

The Human Rights and Business Learning Tool is web-based. It is accessible on the websites of OHCHR and the Global Compact. Companies can access the training tool from anywhere.

The course comprises three modules:

•  Module 1: Introduction to Human Rights
•  Module 2: The Concept of Sphere of Influence
•  Module 3: The Notion of Complicity

The tool is interactive: links, exercises and case studies will help the participant understand the various concepts presented. As the tool is web based, it will be updated regularly. Further modules may be added as well.

For any query , please contact us at: humanrightsandbusiness@ohchr.org