Leverage Across the Built Environment

Commit and adhere to international human rights standards; ensure coordination between agencies and regions for effective and equitable urban planning, disaster preparation and response;

Enact human rights-based legislation conducive to responsible investment in the built environment;

Require responsible conduct of nationally-headquartered companies operating overseas; promote human rights in regional and international fora.

Protect human rights through the adoption and enforcement of laws and policies, as well as measures to ensure accountability and transparency;

Maximise residents’ participation in the decisions that affect their lives;

Consider the full spectrum of rights and the full geographical context in planning and zoning decisions;

Ensure that investment is channelled in the public interest.

Ensure responsible human rights-based investment that is closely aligned with locally-defined priorities and adds value to the communities where it is deployed;

Shift investment away from an extractive approach that is focused narrowly on short-term profit-maximisation;

Proactively manage human rights risks at all relevant stages of the lifecycle, and engage investee companies on human rights risks and impacts;

For project investments, adequately cost and plan the project to minimize the risk of rights abuses and of passing human rights risks down the supply chain. 

Design with the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups and neighbouring areas in mind;

Engage local communities in a meaningful way from the outset of any project and throughout its lifecycle;

Take the human rights record of clients into account when deciding to accept a contract; Use any leverage over clients proactively to advance human rights; support policy initiatives that strengthen dignity in the built environment.

Ensure respect for all workers’ rights in direct operations and throughout the subcontracting chain;

Ensure women have equal access to employment and training; 

Avoid corruption and conduct due diligence on all business partners;

Source materials with consideration for their social and environmental impacts;

Mitigate disruption to local communities during the construction process;

Ensure that buildings are environmentally resilient and structurally safe.

Ensure that all workers’ rights are respected – including those employed by subcontractors – in the maintenance, servicing, cleaning and security of buildings;

Respect the rights of those using and living in or near buildings.

Respect digital rights, including the rights to privacy and freedom of expression;

Seek to expand access to the benefits of technological innovation in urban areas; Ensure transparency, accountability and non-discrimination in the collection and use of data. 

Strengthen capacity and increase awareness of existing standards, accountability mechanisms and other relevant knowledge areas

Ensure a diversity of voices and lived experiences are represented

Develop partnerships and engage with trusted allies across sectors as early as possible in the process

Check processes and stakeholder actions for compliance

Where there are adverse human rights impact, leverage standards and accountability mechanisms to seek remediation