FAQs

The Dignity by Design Framework is a tool created by the Institute for Human Rights and Business and its partners to provide practical guidance to embed dignity and respect for human rights throughout the built environment lifecycle. The Framework provides recommendations for action at each stage of the process: land acquisition; planning and financing; design; construction; management and use; and redevelopment. The Framework is not a new set of standards. Instead, it is based on international human rights standards and the Sustainable Development Goals.

As investment in urban areas and infrastructure seek to respond to the climate crisis and ongoing migration, approaches grounded in human rights will be essential to facilitate urgent and effective green projects in built environments worldwide. This involves active participation by local communities, respecting the rights of workers, expanding access to adequate housing and services for all, and ensuring that all decisions are free from corruption. But the existing status quo of siloed, disconnected approaches will fail to address root problems or lead to long-term solutions. The Framework therefore seeks to advance greater, effective interaction between stakeholders.

The Framework can be used by:

• Investors and owners, to manage risks and maximise social outcomes at portfolio and project level.
• Industry (architecture, engineering and construction) to guide respect for human rights throughout operations and supply chains.
• Local and national governments: to inform policy, planning, public procurement and projects.
• Communities and workers impacted by a built environment project or initiative, to advocate for change and strengthen accountability.
• Academia, as rights-based analytical framework for research projects.

Crucially, the Framework should be used collaboratively by the different stakeholder groups, breaking silos and building bridges to develop long-term solutions.

While primarily intended to be used on a single project (a building or piece of infrastructure), it can also be used across the entire operations of an organisation or investment portfolio, or to inform wider urban development policies.

As with every global tool, its implementation must be tailored to the specific geographical and social context. We recommend that each team using the Framework start by reviewing the guiding questions across all stages, in order to:

• Identify the main social risks and opportunities that are relevant to their context
• Gain inspiration from interventions and approaches that have been taken by others 

Based on this initial assessment, each team can then develop a tailored action plan.

1. International human rights standards
   • The full spectrum of United Nations standards on human rights: including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
   • International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and standards. ILO fundamental conventions encompass freedom of association and the right to organise, freedom from forced and child labour, equal remuneration, and non-discrimination. 
   • UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Guiding Principles for the implementation of the “Protect, Respect and Remedy” framework on business and human rights
2. Human rights standards by issue
   • Women: Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
   • Children: Convention on the Rights of the Child\
   • People with Disabilities: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
   • Indigenous Peoples: UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
   • Migrant Workers: International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
   • Land: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) resources on land as a cross-cutting issue that impacts directly the enjoyment of various human rights
   • Forced Evictions: OHCHR resources on forced evictions
   • Adequate Housing: OHCHR Right to Adequate Housing Toolkit. Elements of the right to adequate housing include: security of tenure, affordability, habitability, availability of services, materials, facilities and infrastructure, accessibility, location, and cultural adequacy.
   • Right to Water and Sanitation: OHCHR resources
   • Health: OHCHR resources on right to physical and mental health
   • Privacy: OHCHR report on right to privacy in the digital age
3. Global frameworks and guidelines
   • UN Sustainable Development Goals
   • New Urban Agenda
   • OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
   • UN Global Compact
   • Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Prevention
   • International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning 
   • UN Principles for Responsible Investment
   • Equator Principles
   • International Finance Corporation Environmental and Social Performance Standards
   • Global Reporting Initiative Standards
   • Dhaka Principles for Migration with Dignity
   • Mega-Sporting Event Lifecycle
   • Accord on Recommended International Standards of Professionalism in Architectural Practice
   • Children’s Rights and Business Principles
4. Human Rights Cities
   • Global Charter Agenda for Human Rights in the City
   • European Charter for Human Rights in the City
   • Gwangju Guiding Principles for a Human Rights City
   • The Right to the City and Cities for All, Habitat III Policy Papers
5. Thematic city-level initiatives
   • Cities for Housing
   • Child-friendly cities
   • Global age-friendly cities
   • Safe Cities and Safe Public Places
   • Cities Coalition for Digital Rights