HUMAN RIGHTS DUE DILIGENCE (HRDD) A Mechanism Through Which Businesses Can Prevent Adverse Human Rights Impacts and, Where Relevant, Remediate Their Human Rights Abuses

Abstract

This paper critically examines Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) as a mechanism through which businesses can prevent adverse human rights impacts and remediate human rights abuses within their operations and supply chains. The study evaluates the importance of HRDD in promoting human rights-based corporate behavior, while also analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, and practical challenges in implementation. The paper further explores issues relating to legal compliance, corporate accountability, supply chain transparency, and the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks. In addition, it proposes recommendations for enhancing HRDD through standardization, stronger enforcement mechanisms, incentives for responsible corporate conduct, and collaborative approaches among governments, businesses, and civil society organizations. The discussion is supported by relevant academic literature, international legal developments, and contemporary case law relating to business and human rights.