United Kingdom – Guidance to Business
The UK 2013 NAP in the section on Actions taken notes that [page 9]:
“To give effect to the UN Guiding Principles … :
…We will also continue to help develop, and monitor implementation of, OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict Affected and High-Risk Areas. The Government will also continue to encourage higher standards in the diamond supply chain.”
The UK 2013 NAP in the section on New Actions planed notes that [page 11-12]:
The Government will do the following to reinforce its implementation of its commitments under Pillar 1 of the UNGPs:
“(v) In line with the UK Cyber Exports Strategy, develop guidance to address the risks posed by exports of information and communications technology that are not subject to export control but which might have impacts on human rights including freedom of expression on line.
(x) Support the UN Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises in their role to promote uptake of the UNGPs and develop guidance and best practice (we contributed £100,000 in 2012).”
The UK 2013 NAP in the section on Actions taken to support business implementation of the UNGPs states [page 14-15]:
“To help businesses to fulfil their responsibility to respect human rights we have so far:
(iv) updated the Government’s “Business and Human Rights Toolkit” – a detailed guidance manual for officials – in light of the UNGPs and have brought it to the attention of all relevant officials, including through the training courses we run for FCO and UKTI staff.;
(vii) funded an online hub – in 6 languages – providing guidance and information on the UNGPs where companies can share successful outcomes and promulgate best practice. http://www.business-humanrights.org/UNGuidingPrinciplesPortal/Home”
The UK 2013 NAP in the section on Further actions planned provides that [page 15]:
“(i) continue to develop Government guidance so that it is accessible and helpful, especially to SMEs. We will work with relevant industry associations and other corporate groupings. And we will signpost guidance specifically intended to help SMEs, such as that available from the Equality & Human Rights Commission at:
and the European Commission at:
(ii) encourage trade associations/sector groupings of companies to develop guidance relevant to their members’ sector of activity on developing human rights policies and processes, including due diligence. There is generic guidance online about doing this e.g. at the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. Some sector-specific guidance also exists, for example the International Council on Mining and Metals has produced a guide for mining companies on human rights due diligence. The European Commission has created guidance on the information communications technology (ICT), oil and gas and employment and recruitment sectors; http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sustainable-business/corporate-social-responsibility/human-rights/index”