GeSI Good Practice Guide: Responding to UNGP’s Expectations to Remedy Human Rights Impacts

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) underscore the critical role of providing remedies for victims of business-related abuses. Remedy is defined as restoring individuals or groups harmed by business activities to the situation they would have been in had the impact not occurred. When restoration isn’t possible, it may involve compensation or other forms of redress, such as apologies or punitive sanctions. Within the information and communication technology (ICT) sector, while products can significantly enhance the respect and protection of human rights, misuse can lead to violations.

The UNGPs also present ambiguous guidance regarding companies’ responsibilities for the actions of their suppliers and business partners, leaving firms to negotiate their obligations with stakeholders. To support GeSI members in addressing these challenges, a Remedy Roadmap has been proposed. This roadmap includes key steps such as establishing processes for stakeholders to raise and resolve grievances, assessing the severity of human rights impacts, and implementing effective resolution mechanisms. Central to this approach is the establishment of grievance processes, which are essential for guiding companies in making informed decisions about the types and scope of remedies provided. Further sections of this guide will explore stakeholder expectations, key issues for ICT companies to consider, and detailed steps in the Remedy Roadmap, including examples from various sectors.

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