Strengthening the Awareness and Capacity of Civil Society Actors on Business and Human Rights
“Strengthening the Awareness and Capacity of Civil Society Actors on Business and Human Rights” project aimed to raise awareness of mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence – HREDD) legislation, in particular the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz – LkSG) and the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). Through capacity-building and awareness-raising activities, the project highlighted the importance of responsible business conduct. Implemented through a partnership between the European Neighbourhood Council (ENC) and the Business and Human Rights Association (BHRTR), the initiative provided trainings, resources, and networking opportunities related to legislative frameworks such as the LkSG and the CSDDD, which regulate corporate responsibilities regarding adverse human rights and environmental impacts.
Project
Strengthening the Awareness and Capacity of Civil Society Actors on Business and Human Rights
Project Partner
German Federal Foreign Office
Status
Completed
In its first phase, the project focused on assessing the existing level of awareness, challenges, and risks related to business and human rights in Türkiye. Comprehensive consultations were conducted with civil society organisations (CSOs), trade unions, bar associations, and private sector stakeholders. The findings obtained informed the design of the training content delivered in the second phase and identified areas requiring further support and coordination to strengthen cross-sectoral responsible business conduct and monitoring capacity.
The second phase of the project was carried out through a series of training sessions organised in various cities across Türkiye, as well as the development of a digital Business and Human Rights resource library. Through these activities, the project:
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Strengthened the role and capacity of civil society in promoting responsible business practices by providing CSOs with practical tools and targeted knowledge; and
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Laid the foundations for a sustainable CSO network aimed at promoting responsible business conduct by bringing together representatives from CSOs, trade unions, and academia.
The main objectives of the project
Increasing Awareness of Business and Human Rights Standards
- Informed CSOs about human rights and environmental due diligence regulations such as the LkSG and the CSDDD;
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Promoted understanding of international human rights frameworks and corporate accountability mechanisms.
Initiating Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations
- Provided tailored trainings and practical tools to enhance the capacity of CSOs working on business and human rights;
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Developed a Turkish-language digital resource library containing key legal and policy documents;
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Strengthened CSOs’ capacities with regard to grievance mechanisms, stakeholder engagement, and supply chain mapping.
Promoting Collaboration and Advocacy
Established a sustainable CSO alliance (“TR Compass”) by creating a dialogue-based network among relevant stakeholders.
TR Compass
TR Compass is a voluntary and collaborative network that brings together civil society organisations, trade unions, academics, and individual human rights advocates. Its purpose is to promote responsible business conduct and to protect human rights within supply chains.
TR Compass does not operate as a formal alliance; rather, it functions as a flexible and open space for connection, knowledge exchange, and mutual support. In particular, it enables participants to stay informed, build relationships, and contribute to joint advocacy efforts on business and human rights, especially in the context of regulatory frameworks such as the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (LkSG) and the European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
How TR Compass Works
TR Compass is an informal network based on voluntary participation. Members are free to connect with one another, access shared resources, and take part in events or discussions on an optional basis.
TR Compass aims to regularly share updates and information on the following topics:
- International developments related to human rights and environmental due diligence, and their relevance for Türkiye;
- New tools, reports, and resources added to the digital library;
- Optional online or in-person meetings.
Who Can Join TR Compass?
- Civil society organisations (CSOs)
- Trade unions
- Academics
- Individual activists
To join, interested parties may either complete the form available on the CSO Participation Network page or send an email containing the relevant information to: contact@trcompass.com.tr
Translation of Key Resources in the Field of Business and Human Rights
Within the scope of the project, three key international guides in the field of business and human rights have been translated into Turkish by BHRTR: “Access to Remedy in Cases of Business-Related Human Rights Abuse: A Practical Guide for Non-State-Based Grievance Mechanisms”, “Gender Dimensions of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”, and “Children’s Rights and Business Principles”.