These terms are used in connection with state obligations in accordance with the human rights instruments they have committed to. As an overview, respect means to not violate a right; protect means to ensure that others (e.g. companies, individuals, etc.) do not violate a right; promote is about ensuring awareness of the right and fulfill means to actually implement the right, for example by providing healthcare facilities to fulfill the right to health.

There is now a recognised responsibility to respect human rights which applies to business actors. Governments affirmed the existence of this responsibility at the United Nations in 2008. The responsibility to respect essentially means “not to infringe upon the rights of others - put simply, to do no harm”.  The business responsibility to do no harm, which resonates strongly with the concept of due diligence, is not simply a negative obligation but also includes positive steps.