Training Manual on Business and Human Rights

Since the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were promulgated, there have been growing concerns over human rights in business. Indigenous Peoples form the highest proportion of victims of such business activities.

Development projects, along with those undertaken by multilateral development banks and private sector investors, are creating suffering among Indigenous Peoples globally. Such development projects are resulting in widespread human rights violations, including the displacement of Indigenous people from their customary land, and irreversible loss of their traditional lifestyles, livelihoods and identity.

Development initiatives must be Indigenous-friendly. Awareness needs to be raised among Indigenous communities and business sectors. It is with this in mind that this training manual was developed by the Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP). It is meant for trainers but will be equally useful for those interested in knowing more about business and human rights or business activities, and also for victims so that they know their rights with regard to development aggression or in terms of respecting the human rights of communities vulnerable to development activities.