Aim for human rights uses human rights tools tailor made for companies, developed by the Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR). We contributed to the development of the tools and promote them among Dutch companies since 2003. Some of the tools can be downloaded, others can be acquired on request.

The Human Rights Compliance Assessment (HRCA) is a web-based tool which allows companies to monitor, assess and report about principles, policies and practice in the field of human rights. The tool takes into account the broader sphere of influence of companies and assesses the companies’ impact on the rights of different stakeholders, including employees, community members, customers and local governments. The HRCA exists of 350 questions which are based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and over 80 human rights treaties and ILO conventions. It is also possible to use a selection of questions and indicators. The outcome of the assessment is presented in a document presenting suggestions for improvement. Recently, the HRCA has been improved so that companies can identify which elements are relevant for their sector and countries even better.

The Quick Check is a shorter version of the HRCA. The tool comprises of 28 questions with corresponding indicators in the field of labor conditions, impact on the community and supply chain management. The instrument is particularly suited for smaller companies. Download the Dutch version of the Quick Check (pdf, 0.24 MB)

The China Business and Social Sustainability Check (CBSS Check) is a self-assessment tool designed to help companies identify and comply with the most essential human rights standards in relation to their activities in China.

The CBSS Check was developed with the aim of increasing Chinese ownership of CSR standards. By raising awareness and building capacity, The CBSS Check hopes to develop a common language for promoting human rights and business in China. The CBSS Check also seeks to address the conflict between the aspirations of international human rights commitments on the one hand, and Chinese social, economic, cultural,

and political realities on the other hand. The tool has been tested and evaluated by several Chinese civil society organisations, representatives from Chinese companies of various sizes, and Chinese CSR experts.

De CBSS check is available for free:

• Introduction to the China Business and Social Sustainability Check (1 MB, pdf)

• China Business and Social Sustainability Check (2 MB, pdf)

• China Business and Social Sustainability Check (3 MB, pdf, Mandarin)

By starting a business in a country a company can become, direct or indirect, complicit with human rights violations. The Country Risk Assessments of the Danish Institute for Human Rights offers companies a systematic and in depth analyses of the main human rights issues in a specific country in combination with practical advise and support to prevent such human rights violations. Currently there are Country Risks Assessments for Algeria, Brazil, China, India, Kazachstan, Kenia, Libia, Ukrain, Tanzania, Vietnam and South Africa.

The CSR Compass (Codex), offers tools for companies to prevent human rights violations at their suppliers. The tool contains, among others, a supplier code of conduct, a supplier self-assessment and a supplier code of conduct checklist. The CRA Compass (Codex) is suitable for small and medium sized companies as well as for large multinationals.

For more information about the human rights and business tools please contact Olga Lenzen by 030 233 40 27 or e-mail or download the Guide to Corporate Human Rights Impact Assessment Tools.
Aim for human rights provides advice to companies, governments and investors on the use of these instruments for carrying out a human rights compliance assessment. Click here for more information.
At our online resource center www.humanrightsimpact.org you can find  more information about the different tools that are available for companies, as well as best practices, here.