Integrating Management of Human Rights Risks into State-Investor Contract Negotiations: Guidance for Negotiators

This guide identifies ten principles that help integrate the management of human rights risks throughout the life of an investment project contract. It was developed under the mandate of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Business and Human Rights (SRSG), Professor John Ruggie. The guide explains each of the principles, its implications for the negotiation process, and provides a recommended checklist of steps that states and companies should take to ensure incorporation of these principles throughout the entire life of the contract. The guide illustrates how each principle can help the parties and other stakeholders access the full range of benefits to be gained from the investment and ensure that potential negative impacts on people are avoided or mitigated. The guide was an addendum to the SRSG's final report to the UN Human Rights Council (containing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights).