Business and Human Rights: Businesses Impact on the Governance and Management of Migration

Both migrants and countries of origin and destination benefit from humane and orderly migration. Out of 281 million migrants worldwide, nearly two-thirds are migrant workers who require institutionalized frameworks and commitments for the protection of their rights. The Capstone team was tasked with developing a training course script aimed at developing the capacities of governments, businesses, and other stakeholders on the protection of migrant workers within the framework of business and human rights. The course content focused on the obligation of business entities towards the protection of the rights of migrant workers. 

The team undertook a comprehensive review of  international  business and human rights standards and reporting followed by a jurisprudence and good practices mapping. These findings informed the development of  the script, outlining the legal frameworks that define the responsibility towards the protection of migrant workers’ rights. Based on this research, the team also developed a due diligence checklist for stakeholders to reference while incorporating human rights obligations and principles vis-a-vis their engagement with migrant workers.

The final product consolidated the principles, legal frameworks, jurisprudence, and good practices for responsible business conduct with respect to migrant workers. By communicating key aspects of business responsibility in a single e-course, State and business actors have direct access to the resources they need to protect migrant workers. The final product has the potential to make a lasting impact on policies and practices by raising awareness of the duty to respect, protect, fulfil, and remedy the rights of migrant workers around the world.