This guide provides an accessible introduction to the field of business and human rights for National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI), and Ombudsperson and Public Defender Offices within the Commonwealth. The guide includes:

• An overview of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) – the widely accepted international framework for addressing the human rights impacts of private actors, and how this has become entrenched within the international system.
• Insights into the role NHRIs can play in promoting the UNGPs, and encouraging their implementation and use by government, business and other stakeholders.
• Emerging trends across the dynamic business and human rights landscape.
• Short case studies to illustrate approaches taken by leading NHRIs across The Commonwealth.

The guide was commissioned by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and prepared by Lucy Amis, Research Fellow with the Institute of Human Rights and Business (IHRB).