Instruments on Human Rights due diligence

Genesis, evolution and future perspectives

Abstract

The concept of human rights due diligence (HRDD), developed by Ruggie, is at the heart of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This article addresses the origins of HRDD, the evolution of international and national instruments in which it has been gaining wide  acceptance and the future prospects that arise in view of the upcoming adoption of an EU Directive. The definition of HRDD, its scope and the limits of this notion in the different instruments will be examined. Their contribution to effective corporate accountability will be evaluated in view of their objectives, given that the majority of these instruments have been in force for a limited period of time.