People-Focused Business

Informational campaign

Business and human rights: Together for a better future!

The campaign aims to inform, inspire, and engage companies to act responsibly and integrate respect for human rights into their operations.

The goal

The goal of the campaign is to create and adapt infographics into Bulgarian, utilising resources from reputable organisations. By presenting these materials in Bulgarian, we aim to make the information more accessible, easier to understand, and effectively communicated in our native language.

Do you know what your basic human rights are?

Human rights are not just words on paper—they are the foundation of freedom, equality, and justice for all of us. To ensure better protection and respect for human rights, the commitment of each one of us is necessary!

How can you help?

  • Learn about your rights and the rights of others.
  • Express your support for those who are deprived of them.
  • Share information and inspire others to take action.

Knowing your rights is essential to protecting them! That’s why we have dedicated the first infographic of our “People-Focused Business” informational campaign to the 30 basic human rights outlined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

30-те основни човешки права
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Всеобщата декларация за правата на човека на ООН
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The Power of Rights: The Foundation for Global Equality and Justice

With the second infographic from our “People-Focused Business” campaign, we aim to introduce the core principles behind the implementation of the 30 basic human rights outlined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In a world full of challenges, these principles remain the foundation of just and humane societies.

Let us remember that:

Rights are universal – Every person, regardless of gender, race, language, nationality, age, or religion, is entitled to these 30 basic human rights.

Rights are indivisible – All rights are interdependent and must be applied in full, with no right being more important than another.

Rights come with obligations – Our freedoms are accompanied by the responsibility to respect the rights of others.

Rights are equal and non-discriminatory – Every individual has the right to equality before the law and protection against any form of discrimination.

Human rights are inalienable – No force or person can take away your rights—they are yours by birth!

Now, more than ever, it is important to understand, defend, and advocate for human rights, striving for a world that is more just, equitable, and inclusive.

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights are based on three fundamental pillars

In 2011, the United Nations adopted these principles, setting a global standard for responsible business practices and establishing a framework for the protection of human rights in the corporate sector.

In the third infographic of our “People-Focused Business” campaign, we highlight the three core pillars of the UN Guiding Principles:

1️⃣ State duty to protect human rights – Governments are responsible for ensuring that the rights of their citizens are respected and safeguarded through appropriate laws and policies.

2️⃣ Business responsibility to respect human rights – Companies must avoid and prevent human rights violations in their operations and throughout their supply chains.

3️⃣ Access to effective remedy – Individuals whose rights are violated must have access to justice and compensation, whether through judicial or non-judicial mechanisms.

The UN Guiding Principles deliver a powerful message: human rights are not solely the responsibility of states. Businesses also bear significant responsibility for protecting and respecting the rights of all those they engage with.

Ръководните принципи на ООН за бизнеса и правата на човека се основават на три стълба Ръководните принципи на ООН за бизнеса и правата на човека се основават на три стълба
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Зачитане на човешките права в бизнеса: Практически стъпки
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Respecting Human Rights in Business: Practical Steps

Creating an ethical business that respects human rights is not just a responsibility—it is the key to long-term success in today’s world.

In our next infographic, part of our“People-Focused Businesscampaign, we wish to present some key practical steps that every company could  take to ensure that protecting human rights is a top priority:

1️⃣ Create an ethical organizational culture – Establish clear internal rules where respect for human rights is a core value. Train employees and foster an environment of ethics, equality, and support.

2️⃣ Due diligence – Regularly assess your supply chain and partners to ensure human rights standards are upheld at all levels.

3️⃣ Remediation and corrective actions  – Implement effective grievance mechanisms. In case of rights violations, offer fair compensation and take measures to remedy and prevent future violations. 

Respecting human rights in corporate policy is a strategic decision for sustainable business . These three essential steps will help you create an approach that respects everyone’s rights.

Due diligence

You have probably noticed that we use the term “due diligence”  more frequently. But what does it actually mean in practical steps when we talk about respecting human rights in business?

In infographic 5, we examine the due diligence process and break it down into six key steps. These steps help companies ensure the respect for human rights while minimizing risks for employees, communities, and all stakeholders.

надлежна проверка
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Надлежна проверка
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The due diligence cycle is a continuous process that covers all the key stages companies must follow to ensure the respect for human rights and ethical governance in their operations.

Infographic 6 is designed as a visual map of the process with four main steps that companies must follow:

1️⃣ Impact assessment

2️⃣ Performance tracking

3️⃣ Проследяване на изпълнението

4️⃣ Communication

This infographic is ideal for printing and displaying in offices as a reminder to teams about the importance of respecting human rights in business and the due diligence process.

People-Focused Business

is implemented as part of the Proteus project of Sofia Platform Foundation under the CERV program. With the financial support of the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union (EU) or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
Co-funded by the EU