Business and Human Rights

We are pleased to introduce the Centre for Business and Human Rights at the Rudolf Agricola School for Sustainable Development, a hub for research and dialogue in the rapidly expanding field of Business and Human Rights. This interdisciplinary initiative brings together legal scholars, philosophers, social scientists, and practitioners who critically examine the role of business in promoting—or obstructing—human rights.

Once considered a niche issue, Business and Human Rights has become a vital framework for shaping corporate responsibility, legal accountability, and ethical business practices on a global scale. The landmark Milieudefensie v. Royal Dutch Shell ruling has demonstrated how human rights arguments are increasingly influencing climate change litigation and corporate governance. Around the world, institutions such as the Danish Institute for Human Rights are advancing research and policy, while specialized academic platforms, including the Business and Human Rights Journal, continue to expand the field’s reach and impact.

At the Rudolf Agricola School, we serve as an intellectual hub within the Development, Security, and Justice research theme, engaging scholars and practitioners in critical discussions on some of the most pressing global challenges. Our research will address issues such as corporate sustainability due diligence, multi-stakeholder initiatives, energy justice, whistleblower protection, gender and intersectionality, sustainable finance, artificial intelligence, modern slavery, migration, labor rights, and the human rights dimensions of climate change.

The intersection of business practices with development, security, and justice is increasingly shaping legal and policy frameworks worldwide. As businesses expand their global reach, concerns over environmental justice and security have driven efforts to strengthen protections against corporate practices that threaten ecosystems, displace communities, or undermine social stability. Regulatory and grassroots initiatives are playing a critical role in advancing sustainable development by holding businesses accountable, ensuring security for affected populations, and embedding justice considerations into corporate decision-making.

Over the past two decades, human rights have moved from the periphery of business discussions to a central concern in regulatory frameworks. While businesses are increasingly expected to integrate human rights considerations into their global operations and supply chains, deep theoretical and practical challenges remain. We are committed to tackling these complexities through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy engagement.

Beyond research, we are committed to shaping the next generation of scholars and professionals. An interdisciplinary master’s course on Business and Human Rights has been developed, integrating perspectives from economics, business, law, and philosophy. Several research initiatives have also been launched, including projects on the extractive industry, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and interfaculty PhD collaborations.

As businesses face increasing scrutiny and are held to higher ethical and legal standards than ever before, we are dedicated to advancing critical debate, rigorous scholarship, and meaningful policy impact. By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, our aim is to contribute to a more just and sustainable global economy. Scholars, students, and practitioners are invited to engage with the centre’s work, join the conversation, and help shape the future of Business and Human Rights.