The role of companies in conflict-affected and high-risk areas (CAHRAs) is under growing scrutiny. The progressive expansion of international standards and legislation governing corporate conduct is indicative of rising expectations that companies should do business in a manner that, at a minimum, does not lead to, exacerbate, or sustain conflict, and that they should proactively manage their impacts in CAHRAs.

This Training Facilitation Guide developed by TrustWorks was commissioned by the UN Working Group/UNDP. It consists of training modules which clarify companies’ responsibilities vis-à-vis due diligence in CAHRAs, providing  a step-by-step approach to heightened human rights due diligence (hHRDD). It situates hHRDD in relation to authoritative standards, international law, and “soft law” that pertain to human rights and conflict, elucidating the mandate for hHRDD and explaining how hHRDD differs from traditional human rights due diligence (HRDD). It breaks down why and how conflict settings differ from other operational contexts and why and how corporate human rights responsibilities are heightened within them. It offers insight into when and where hHRDD is called for and how companies might determine whether or not it is in specific cases. It explains the analysis processes necessary for companies to understand their impacts on human rights and conflict and, finally, provides a step-by-step approach to hHRDD.

Upon completion of the training, it is expected that trainees will understand: the key aspects of the hHRDD process; why it is required; where and when it should be conducted; how it differs from HRDD; and what additional resources (such as conflict analysis tools, frameworks, guidance, third-party experts, etc.) they may need to enable them to perform hHRDD.