Discrimination & Vulnerable Groups

Protecting vulnerable groups from discrimination is a fundamental human rights obligation that extends to businesses through the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Vulnerable groups include women, children, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, ethnic and racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and older persons. The ILO Discrimination Convention (C111) prohibits discrimination in employment on grounds of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction, or social origin. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires reasonable accommodation in the workplace. The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples establishes the right to free, prior, and informed consent. Businesses must conduct enhanced due diligence to identify and address impacts on vulnerable groups, recognising that standard approaches may not capture the specific risks and impacts these groups face.

Further Reading

• UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
• ISO 26000 — Human rights guidance

Related Topics

• Human Rights Due Diligence
• Fundamental Labour Rights
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions