A number of governments, international organisations and NGOs have sought to embody a rights-based approach in their own work. Within the context of BLIHR, the idea of a rights-aware approach to business is being considered. This embodies both the outcomes and principles of a rights-based approach but brings it into the context of non-state actors such as companies and an understanding of the ‘responsibility to respect’ human rights.

In terms of the outcomes, this should be understood as the responsibility to respect specific human rights. This is reflected in BLIHR’s own ‘essential steps’ within the human rights matrix and then also the ‘beyond essential’ activities specific business sectors and companies engage in.

The principles of a rights-aware approach consist of the principles which sit behind human rights and the 1948 Universal Declaration. Many of these principles have their roots in hundreds and thousands of years of heritage with the world’s religious, social, legal and political traditions. 

The principles which are often referred to include:
 

A rights-aware approach sits behind many of the tools referenced in this Guide. It plays an important role in helping companies develop a framework of shared responsibilities with governments and other actors.