The Advantages of Strengthening Human Rights Due Diligence

Shereen Hafidh

Associate

United Kingdom

Close

Shereen Hafidh

Contact Shereen Hafidh

Thâmisa Gonzalez

Senior Consultant

Brazil

Close

Thâmisa Gonzalez

Contact Thâmisa Gonzalez

Table of Contents

• On-Site Assessment & Takeaways
• Business Case for Human Rights
• What Businesses Can Do
• How Anthesis Can Help
• Contact Us

Share this article

• Share via Linkedin
• Share via Facebook
• Share via X
• Share via Email

With operations and value chains for many businesses spanning the globe, due diligence for addressing human rights and mitigating associated risks is becoming both more critical and more challenging. With regulatory mandates becoming more common and consumer expectations rising, strengthening human rights due diligence processes is now a key business imperative.

The Human Rights team at Anthesis recently conducted a two-day supplier site visit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of a Human Rights Risk Assessment for a global energy client. Below we explore their key takeaways, and what actions businesses can start taking to meet today’s human rights requirements and expectations.

On-site assessment and key takeaways

While conducting their assessment, our expert human rights consultants engaged directly with workers and managers on the ground, getting to know the ins and outs of daily operations. They also reviewed internal policies and processes already in place and conducted analyses to identify potential gaps.

The assessment highlighted three valuable lessons for any business:

1. Worker voices are essential: Speaking directly with employees reveals the realities of day-to-day operations—insights that are often missed in corporate reporting. These conversations can uncover both positive practices, like respectful treatment, fair scheduling, and safety protocols, as well as areas for improvement, including excessive overtime, lack of grievance mechanisms, or unclear communication channels. Participatory approaches in Human Rights Risk & Impact Assessments (HRRIAs) ensure that worker perspectives are not only heard but actively shape the outcomes. This aligns with international standards like the UNGPs, which stress the importance of stakeholder engagement in due diligence processes.
2. Management buy-in is key: Human rights cannot be effectively embedded without the support and understanding of management. Managers are the bridge between policy and practice. When they are trained and engaged, they become advocates for responsible business conduct, helping to identify risks early and implementing solutions that are both practical and sustainable. Building buy-in and internal capacity through tailored training programs and leadership engagement strategies can be vital, ensuring that human rights are not siloed within sustainability teams but are integrated across departments.
3. Everyday practices matter: Human rights risks often manifest in the small, routine aspects of work: how shifts are scheduled, how feedback is given, or how safety gear is distributed. These micro-interactions can either reinforce dignity and respect rights, or contribute to systemic issues. They also reveal where workers feel most valued, such as being consulted on changes or recognized for their contributions. On-the-ground assessments like the one we completed in Brazil go beyond checklists to observe and understand these daily dynamics. By focusing on operational realities, businesses can uncover hidden risks and identify opportunities to improve worker well-being and organizational culture.

These insights reflect a broader truth: human rights risks are often subtle, systemic, and deeply embedded in business operations. Addressing them requires more than compliance. Instead, it demands a strategic, proactive approach.

The business case for human rights

Respecting human rights, and addressing related gaps and risks, is both a moral and a business imperative. Companies that fail to identify and mitigate human rights risks face reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and operational disruptions. Conversely, those that lead in this space build trust, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and enhance long-term resilience.

A recent study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), “Human Rights vs. Competitiveness: A False Dilemma”, found that companies strengthening their human rights performance experience tangible financial benefits, demonstrated through clear links to operational profitability and investor valuation.

Additionally, the global landscape is shifting toward mandatory due diligence and reporting. Modern slavery legislation and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) require businesses to “know and show” how they manage human rights impacts. Likewise, civil society and consumers are also scrutinizing companies’ social impact claims more closely than ever.

What businesses can do

To meet these expectations, businesses should:

• Develop and embed human rights policies aligned with international frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights (UNGPs), ILO Conventions, and OECD Guidelines.
• Conduct Human Rights Risk & Impact Assessments (HRRIAs) to identify, prioritize, and mitigate risks across operations and supply chains.
• Engage stakeholders meaningfully, including workers, communities, and suppliers, to understand lived experiences and build trust.
• Train leadership and teams to recognize and respond to human rights issues.
• Monitor and report progress transparently, using frameworks like GRI and IFC Performance Standards.
• Integrate social impact measurement to assess and improve performance across products, services, and programs.
• Implement responsible sourcing and supply chain due diligence, especially beyond first-tier suppliers.

These actions not only help businesses comply with evolving regulations – they also contribute to a more equitable and resilient future.

How Anthesis can help

Anthesis offers a comprehensive suite of Human Rights & Social Impact services designed to help organizations navigate this complex landscape. From strategy development and stakeholder engagement to field research, training, and impact measurement, our team brings deep expertise and practical tools to support businesses at every stage of their journey.

Whether you’re conducting a human rights assessment, designing a social impact program, or preparing for regulatory compliance, Anthesis can help you embed ethical values into your operations and thrive in a world where social responsibility is central to business success.