Training

International Labour Standards and Corporate Social Responsibility: Understanding workers’ rights in the framework of due diligence

This five-day course aims to strengthen the capacity of participants to understand the principles of international labour standards as they relate to company operations (including due diligence related to labour rights) and how those principles can be most effectively implemented in company operations.

Please submit your online application

Companies are under increased pressure, stemming from stakeholder expectations, reporting requirements, conditions for tendering, etc., to conduct due diligence on human rights issues in their own operations and with business partners in their supply chains. Labour related human rights - child labour, forced labour, freedom of association and collective bargaining, non-discrimination, conditions of work and social protection - are relevant to all company operations. Although much has been written in general about due diligence, labour issues pose particular challenges for companies.

Proper due diligence on labour issues starts with a good understanding of what is expected of companies concerning respect for workers’ rights. The principles contained in international labour standards (ILS) have become the essential reference point in addressing labour issues in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Yet, ILS are addressed to governments and the implications for companies, from a conceptual and practical point of view, are not always clear. This can lead to confusion, lack of coherence and misunderstandings when companies are confronted with specific situations. The course will explore in depth how the principles of ILS relate to company operations and delve into good practices regarding due diligence regarding workers’ rights.

Specific objectives

At the end of the course, participants will:
  • understand key principles of ILS and other relevant ILO tools and how they relate to company operations;
  •  have a more nuanced understanding of the strengths and limitations of current practice addressing labour-related due diligence, monitoring and reporting and a sense of how company practice is changing in response;
  • gain confidence in addressing challenges in implementing these principles in company operations;
  • be better equipped to engage with colleagues, business partners, trade unions, NGOs, and government on the most effective ways to respect labour-related human rights in business operations.
Language

The course will be conducted in English. Hence a good knowledge of the working language is required.

For more information, please visit the website if the International Training Center of the ILO or contact sdp@itcilo.org