Created in partnership with the Helpdesk on Business & Human Rights

Further Guidance

Examples of further guidance on freedom of association include:

  • United Nations Global Compact, The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact: The Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact provide universal guidance for sustainable business in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. Principle 3 calls on businesses to uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining.
  • ILO, Committee on Freedom of Association: The Compilation of decisions of the Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA) is a searchable database of CFA conclusions in specific cases.
  • ILO, Freedom of Association and Development: This resource provides ideas for employers’ organizations on how to work with trade unions, Governments and other relevant stakeholders to achieve sustainable development.
  • ILO, In Search of Decent Work — Migrant Workers’ Rights: A Manual for Trade Unions: This manual is primarily targeted at trade unionists; however, companies may use it to understand the importance of protecting migrant workers’ rights and adopting a gender-sensitive approach in protecting free association rights in supply chains.
  • ILO, Freedom of Association in Practice: Lessons Learned: This report provides guidance for employers’ organizations on how to engage with the informal sector to ensure free association rights. It also provides ideas on how to strengthen employers’ organizations.
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