2 THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES ON BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS The Guiding Principles reflect and build on the three-pillar structure of the “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework. They comprise 31 principles, each followed by a brief commentary. Together, the Guiding Principles outline steps for States to foster business respect for human rights; provide a blueprint for companies to manage the risk of having an adverse impact on human rights; and offer a set of benchmarks for stakeholders to assess business respect for human rights. The Guiding Principles have gained extensive support from businesses and civil society as well as States. A number of other international and regional organizations have reflected them in their own standards, and more are expected to do so in the months and years to come. Many businesses around the world are already looking at how they can implement the Guiding Principles in their operations. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has supported the six-year long process that led to the Principles under the stewardship of the Special Representative. Before their endorsement by the Human Rights Council, the High Commissioner stated that: “These Guiding Principles clarify the human rights responsibilities of business. They seek to provide the first global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse human rights impact linked to business activities. If endorsed, the Guiding Principles will constitute an authoritative normative platform which will also provide guidance regarding legal and policy measures that, in compliance with their existing human rights obligations, States can put in place to ensure corporate respect for human rights.”2 As Professor Ruggie has stated, the Guiding Principles will not bring all human rights challenges to an end, but their endorsement marks the end of the beginning. They provide a solid and practical foundation on which more learning and good practice can be built. 2 Statement to the Employers’ Group at the International Labour Conference, 7 June 2011.