The project aims to enhance the protection of human rights and the environment with a special focus on business operations’ impact on them.

It is guided by COE Committee of Minister’s recommendations: CM/Rec(2016)3 on Human Rights and Business built on 2011 UN Guiding Principles, and CM/Rec(2022)20 on Human Rights and the protection of the environment.

Project objectives

1. Equip member states with tools to design and implement measures that enhance human rights, social rights, and environmental compliance in business operations

2. Strengthen human rights, social rights, and environmental protection within businesses processes

Expected outputs and results
  • Businesses have strengthened capacity to consider potential negative impacts (due diligence) on human rights and environment and to eliminate and/or remedy such impact
  • Member states are supported in developing/improving policies and are informed about good practices that help integrate human rights and environment considerations into business operations
  • Those affected by business’ negative impact on human rights and environment have better access to the remedies and the respective institutions (judicial and non-judicial) are better equipped to provide such remedies
Key activities
  • Pilot a knowledge platform that compiles key resources, including case law from the European Court of Human Rights, Council of Europe’s and other standards
  • Facilitate peer discussions, training, and knowledge sharing among member states to align national practices on human rights, social rights, and environmental issues in business
  • Develop/upgrade tools to help member states provide access to judicial and non-judicial remedies for victims of business-related human rights and environmental abuses
  • Conduct a comparative analysis of laws and best practices for protecting human rights and the environment in business across several member states
  • Establish an academic forum for researchers focused on human rights, the environment, and business
  • Design communication and awareness actions and simplified explanation of available remedies in selected member states
  • Support businesses and due diligence professionals in understanding human rights, social rights, and environmental standards through a dedicated knowledge platform
Key beneficiaries & stakeholders
  • Public officials and representatives of the relevant institutions of the participating states
  • Business associations, individual businesses, civil society organisations and national institutions dealing with human rights and business

Project information

  • Duration: 15 months (1 October 2024 – 31 December 2025)
  • Countries (multilateral)
  • Funding: Human Rights Trust Fund
Events
Project news

Back Human Rights and AI in Business Operations: EuroDIG 2025 Workshop Sparks Dialogue on Responsible Innovation

Human Rights and AI in Business Operations: EuroDIG 2025 Workshop Sparks Dialogue on Responsible Innovation

As the role of artificial intelligence in business operations continues to grow, attention has shifted from if to how companies could implement AI responsibly. In this context, an interactive workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to explore how businesses and institutions could integrate human rights principles and ethical responsibility into their digital agendas.

The discussions underscored that enhancing employee skills and prioritizing education are critical for the successful integration of AI tools in the workplace. This is particularly important in light of the dual perception of AI within companies — as both a catalyst for innovation and a potential source of employee concern or uncertainty.

The importance of international standards such as the Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2016)3 and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights was highlighted, stressing the need for human rights due diligence in AI development and use by businesses. Participants also examined how digital human rights tracking tools can assist businesses streamline and strengthen their due diligence processes. Several examples showcasing the use of AI in the telecom sector were presented.

Participants engaged in live polls, shared their perspectives and contributed to an open, dialogue-driven exchange. The event offered a valuable platform to reflect on and shape the conversation around responsible AI in the modern workplace.

STRASBOURG 13 May 2025
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