The Special Representative of the Secretary General on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises developed the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which were endorsed by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 17/4 on June 16, 2011.

There are three sets of guiding principles: (1) the states’ existing obligations to protect and fulfill human rights and fundamental freedoms; (2) the responsibilities of businesses as special branches of society executing specific functions, required to conform to all pertinent laws and to respect human rights; and (3) the necessity for rights and responsibilities to be coordinated to applicable and effective solutions when violated. These guiding principles are further distinguished in terms of foundational principles, or those on the basis ...