Business & Human Rights

Building a Rights-Respecting Private Sector

Since 2005, National Business Initiative (NBI) has been at the forefront of promoting responsible business practices that respect human rights.NBI empowers Nepal's business community through targeted Business and Human Rights (B+HR) initiatives. From interactive workshops on human rights due diligence to the business code of conduct, we help companies develop actionable Human Rights Action Plans, strengthen grievance mechanisms, and embed inclusivity.

Programs & Updates

NBI and UNDP Host National Program on Business and Human Rights Action Plan Implementation
Kathmandu

December 3, 2025

Kathmandu

NBI Expands B+HR Training to Koshi Province: Capacity Building in Bhedetar

January 5-6, 2025

Bhedetar, Dhankuta

Capacity Building Program on B+HR and Human Rights Due Diligence - Dhulikhel

December 22-23, 2024

Dhulikhel, Kavre

Nepal's National Action Plan on Business & Human Rights

Nepal launched its National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP on B+HR) in January 2024, becoming the second country in South Asia and the 41st country globally to adopt such a framework. The NAP aligns with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and reflects Nepal's commitment to ensuring that business activities respect and protect human rights across all sectors.

Key Objectives

The NAP on B+HR aims to:

Protect individuals and communities from business-related human rights abuses
Respect human rights by promoting responsible business conduct
Remedy victims of business-related human rights violations through effective grievance mechanisms
Strengthen policy coherence between business growth and human rights protection
Foster multi-stakeholder collaboration among government, businesses, civil society, and rights holders

Six Thematic Pillars

The NAP is structured around six priority thematic areas:

1. Labour Rights: Safe working conditions, fair wages, freedom of association, and elimination of forced labour

2. Migrant Workers' Rights: Protection of Nepali workers abroad, ethical recruitment, and access to remedy

3. Consumer Protection: Product safety, fair business practices, and access to information

4. Environment and Indigenous Peoples' Rights: Environmental safeguards, free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC), and protection of indigenous livelihoods

5. Women and Children's Rights: Gender equality in the workplace, prevention of sexual harassment, and child protection

6. Non-Discrimination and Gender & Social Inclusion (GESI): Elimination of discrimination based on caste, gender, disability, ethnicity, or religion