Responsible business conduct in conflict-affected areas: the notion of heightened human rights due diligence

Business’ activities and operations could be associated with armed conflict and the parties to the conflict in different ways, and consequently, enterprises would need to avoid contributing to negative impacts in those areas. This article aims to examine the business and human rights frameworks applicable in situations of armed conflicts with a particular focus on the UNGPs and the recent guidelines provided by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, UNDP and OHCHR. The article addresses the importance of the notion of heightened human rights due diligence in those scenarios, where and when should be implemented, as well as how to assess the decision to disengage and its consequences.