Introduction to Business and Human Rights

Welcome to our self-paced course, Introduction to Business and Human Rights!

Businesses play a significant and far-reaching role in shaping the world we live in. They influence political decisions, drive economic systems, shape public policy, and impact our lives, both directly and indirectly, on a daily basis. For those of us committed to building a fairer and more just world, the relationship between business and human rights becomes a critical area of focus. It offers a powerful space to challenge systemic inequities, advocate for ethical governance, and push for meaningful, lasting change that prioritises the dignity, safety, and well-being of all communities.

As the influence of businesses continues to expand, so does the urgency to embed accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights into the very core of how businesses function. Human rights cannot be treated as an afterthought, and they must be integrated into every level of decision-making and practice. This course invites you to explore this intersection, critically evaluate how businesses can both harm and uphold human rights, and discover the tools, policies, and frameworks needed to create institutions that value people and the planet.

This course is brought to you by One Future Collective. One Future Collective exists to advance social justice by catalysing people-power and just institutions. We are a feminist social purpose organisation with a vision of a world built on social justice, led by communities of care.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the relationship between businesses and human rights

• Recognise the importance of integrating human rights within business operations

• Gain knowledge about the legal and policy instruments that govern the design and integration of human rights into businesses today

• Understand how human rights commitments can be operationalised within business contexts

Are there any course requirements or prerequisites?
No prior experience or specialized knowledge are needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore the ways in which businesses shape, influence, and are accountable for human rights outcomes in society.