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Advisors or Enablers? Bringing Professional Service Providers into the Guiding Principles’ Fold

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  • RAMASASTRY, Anita

Abstract

After a decade, different businesses adhere to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). Some key commercial entities, however, remain largely outside of the UNGPs universe, including professional service providers (PSPs) who are retained by businesses to provide expert advice and services. These advisors include lawyers, management consultants, architects and others. Some may have specialized units that provide advice on the UNGPs when retained solely for that purpose. But when asked to provide general commercial legal advice, to design a building, or restructure a business, such advisors do not typically appear to apply the UNGPs, to identify negative human rights impacts and tailor their advice in a way that prevents or mitigates such impacts. This article explores the connection between the advice provided by PSPs and negative human rights impacts. It underscores the critical need for these advisors to align their business processes and advisory services with the UNGPs to avoid being enablers of human rights abuses.

Suggested Citation

  • RAMASASTRY, Anita, 2021. "Advisors or Enablers? Bringing Professional Service Providers into the Guiding Principles’ Fold," Business and Human Rights Journal, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(2), pages 293-311, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:buhurj:v:6:y:2021:i:2:p:293-311_9
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    Cited by:

    1. Chiara Macchi & Nadia Bernaz, 2021. "Business, Human Rights and Climate Due Diligence: Understanding the Responsibility of Banks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-21, July.
    2. John R. Owen & Deanna Kemp, 2024. "Corporate Responses to Community Grievance: Voluntarism and Pathologies of Practice," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 189(1), pages 55-68, January.

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