Global Compact Network Spain Launches New Tools for Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights

The following is an article submitted by a Global Compact Local Network. Please contact the network representative listed below with any questions regarding its contents. 

(Madrid, 21 June 2015) – Global Compact Network Spain has launched two new innovative tools for helping companies to effectively respect human rights and obtain value in the process.

The first is a practical online guide for companies on implementing the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, with a particular focus on the identification of human rights risks and the due diligence process.

The second is a training pack for building human rights culture among employees and companies.The tools are based on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which focus on the international responsibility of all companies to respect human rights – regardless of their size, industry or country of origin.

The tools have also been built in accordance with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, the International Bill of Human Rights, and especially the Protect, Respect and Remedy framework. These principles are considered by the European Union and the OECD as the main human rights framework that companies must follow when operating inside and outside European territory.

Isabel Garro, Managing Director of Global Compact Network Spain said: “The online guide has three different levels of management: basic, efficient and strategic. Its content is adaptable to the features of each individual company. It also contains a successful impacts identification phase and clear instructions for an effective implementation of the Guiding Principles.”

The online tools were developed in partnership with a working group on human rights, with some of the leading companies in Spain on human rights issues, Business & Human Rights and the Human Rights Office within the Spanish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The second tool is a training pack for a first introduction of human rights issues within a company culture. It has been made in partnership with Maria Prandi, Director of Business & Human Rights and expert on the topic. She emphasized: “This is a practical tool that will allow companies to understand human rights and start working towards them regardless of their size, while simultaneously raising awareness among employees about their responsibility and role concerning human rights”.

• Learn more about Global Compact Network Spain

Contact

Vanesa Rodríguez
Global Compact Network Spain
vanesarodriguez@pactomundial.org