13th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights

Snapshot co-organized by the Working Group on Business and Human Rights and Löning – Human Rights & Responsible Business and Ulula (an EcoVadis company)

​An effective grievance mechanism is essential for companies, serving as an early warning system to identify and address risks before they escalate into larger issues. With increasing regulatory requirements and heightened societal expectations, companies are now obligated to create mechanisms that address concerns related to human rights and environmental matters. 

During this session, the speakers will explore the critical role of grievance mechanisms in corporate risk management, emphasising how collaboration strengthens two core elements: accessibility and effective case handling. Accessibility is not just about offering multiple channels—whether digital platforms, face-to-face meetings, or anonymous submissions—but also ensuring these channels are co-designed with input from all stakeholders. By working together, companies can create systems that meet the diverse needs of rights-holders and ensure grievances are captured and addressed in real time to foster greater transparency and trust with stakeholders.

Additionally, the session will tackle one of the most common challenges faced by companies: effective case handling. Companies need to allocate dedicated resources to manage grievances efficiently, but resolving these issues often requires more than internal efforts. By collaborating with external experts, local communities, and civil society organisations, companies can bring in the necessary expertise to resolve grievances in a timely and credible manner. A shared approach to case management ensures that grievances are not only acknowledged but resolved in ways that build long-term trust and accountability.