The new version of the Business and Human Rights toolbox has just been released! At the initiative of the Federal Institute for Sustainable Development (FISD) and with the support of the Council of Europe, the toolbox has been simplified, updated and redesigned. It has a clear objective: to improve support for Belgian companies or those operating in Belgium who are keen to anchor respect for human rights in their business. Enriched with a directory of existing remedy mechanisms in Belgium and a wide range of tools, the toolbox also encourages companies to assess their knowledge and level of maturity.
Since 2011, Belgium has adhered to the "Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights" approved by the United Nations Human Rights Council (16/06/2011). It is committed to implementing these Principles through a corporate social responsibility policy, an area in which the country is leading the way. The principles are a universal roadmap for the implementation of standards designed to hold businesses accountable for their human rights performance.
In 2024, our country also confirmed its commitment to human rights with the adoption of a second National Action Plan (NAP 02, which covers the period 2024-2029) and the progressive implementation of its actions. Through their often global supply chains and their strategic choices, companies have a major impact on human rights. Due to the complexity of the markets, it's not always easy to guarantee compliance with these rights in practice.
The toolbox provides answers and pointers for companies wishing to move towards more responsible entrepreneurship.
The revamp of this toolbox is part of this long-standing effort by FISD to help companies and organisations to embed respect for human rights in their thinking and operations, while contributing to more sustainable practices.
An interactive training toolbox
This knowledge platform has been thought out and designed in a dynamic way, with practical guidelines and relevant frameworks. The content is rich and well documented, thanks to contributions from a team of experts.
The website includes three types of tools:
- What is expected of companies? Topics covered include the regulatory landscape, company scope and obligations, the link between States and companies, and high-risk sectors;
- How to meet expectations? This section provides an introduction to due diligence, initiatives and practical examples;
- Remedy mechanisms, and more specifically grievance mechanisms, and access to justice.
Test your knowledge
Another element that makes the toolbox even more attractive is the option to test your knowledge and check whether your company's practices are in line with a respect for human rights. Practical, targeted questions allow you to gauge how well these principles have been integrated into the business.
This module consists of 25 questions that assess a company's level of knowledge regarding human rights compliance under Belgian jurisdiction.
Companies can choose a category to find questions and answers relevant to them. The result provides insight into the company's level of knowledge about the existing voluntary and regulatory instruments, as well as the human rights compliance mechanisms.
A barometer for companies at home and abroad
This toolbox, unlike any other offered in Belgium, is aimed at both Belgian companies operating in Belgium and/or abroad, and international companies active in Belgium. The issues addressed impact the following organisations in particular:
- large multinational corporations;
- small and medium-sized enterprises;
- state-owned or state-controlled enterprises.
As well as the many tools it offers, the platform includes a glossary of the various terms used throughout the website to ensure a common understanding of the guiding principles.
Both the regulatory and non-regulatory instruments on this topic evolve very quickly. To help us to continuously improve and update the toolbox, we've added a "feedback" tab that will enable you to report an error, give your opinion or share your experience.
The toolbox is available in three languages: French, Dutch and English.
