Protect, respect and remedy: The multiple roles for mediators in the United Nations business and human rights framework

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights represent a significant opportunity for mediators and other dispute resolution professionals to explore new areas of work, research and teaching. The relationships between corporations, in particular multi-national corporations, and the societies in which they operate are coming under increasing scrutiny and pressure. It is an area that is ripe for the increased involvement of the dispute resolution community but before that can happen this community needs to be aware of the opportunities that now exist as well as the global framework in which they operate. This article is directed at raising that awareness by explaining the global business and human rights framework and suggesting areas for further involvement of the dispute resolution community.