NATIONAL BUSINESS
& HUMAN RIGHTS PACT

The original human rights declaration was made in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

Martin Luther King

Originally 30 fundamental human rights were identified and recorded in the fields of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights.

Based on the pillars:

Protect
Respect
Remedy

In October 2021, for the first time a right to a clean, safe and sustainable environment was added – this became the 31st human right

Here is a link to an explanation of these universal human rights: https://www.un.org/en/udhrbook/#1

A BRIEF HISTORICAL REVIEW

June 2013 publication of the UN Principles on Business and Human Rights
June 2018 Luxembourg adopted the first version of “The Luxembourg National Action Plan to Implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights”
October 2022 MindForest was among the first 50 Luxembourg companies to sign the National Business and Human Rights Pact

By joining the Pact, companies commit to:

Raising awareness among their staff and stakeholders about the protection of human rights within the company

Appointing a person responsible for human rights within the organisation

Training relevant employees on business and human rights issues

Developing governance tools to identify risks and prevent human rights violations

Implementing one or more remedies to address reported human rights violations

Publishing a standardised annual report on the measures implemented in line with the UNGP Reporting Framework

Why Should Companies in Luxembourg Have a Human Rights Policy?

At first glance, it may seem that a human rights policy is unnecessary in a country like Luxembourg—known for its high standard of living, strong social services, and robust legal framework. However, this very privilege comes with the responsibility to lead by example.

As part of a global economy, Luxembourg and its business community have an essential role to play in promoting awareness and upholding human rights. By taking a proactive stance on issues such as working conditions and supply chain ethics, we can contribute to shaping more responsible practices far beyond our borders.

The Luxembourg financial centre already demonstrates how responsible investment can drive positive change—proving that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand. Likewise, every company, regardless of size or sector, has the opportunity to reflect on internal practices that may perpetuate inequality, even unintentionally.

Are all employees given equal access to training and career development opportunities? Are salary structures transparent and fair across all genders? These are just some of the questions we must ask to ensure our workplaces reflect the values we stand for.

Empowering employees to understand and exercise their rights not only promotes fairness but also enhances engagement and trust. A company committed to human rights is more likely to attract and retain talent, build stronger stakeholder relationships, and demonstrate credibility in the eyes of clients, partners, and the wider public.

Implementing a human rights strategy brings tangible benefits, including:

Strengthened risk management
Improved access to markets and public tenders
Enhanced corporate reputation
Better relationships with employees, suppliers, and customers
Competitive advantage in a values-driven marketplace
Increased appeal to top talent

As Jean-Louis Zeien, President of Fairtrade Luxembourg, aptly put it:
“Introducing a duty of care law in Luxembourg is precisely about putting respect for human rights at the centre of economic activities.”

MindForest is proud to have been among the initial signatories of the National Business and Human Rights Pact and remains committed to raising awareness of this important topic among its clients, partners, and wider stakeholder community.