Business & Conflict

We help companies and investors in fragile and conflict states to prepare for and respond responsibly to conflict

Preparing for & Responding to Conflict

2022 saw the largest number of violent conflicts globally since 1945. By 2030, more than 80% of the world's poor may live in fragile and conflict affected contexts.

Violent conflict has resurfaced recently in Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine among others with devastating consequences for communities, companies and investors. We’ve seen great suffering and loss of life, in addition to impacts on supply chains globally with these conflicts is having a direct impact on food security and rising costs of living globally.

Traditionally, conflict has been treated as a business risk. Yet, companies and investors can play a crucial role in conflict mitigation, de-escalation and creating positive peace dividends in communities and across value chains, to the mutual benefit of companies, investors and local and global communities.

We help companies and investors manage their risk, minimize their negative impacts and maximize their positive influence on peace and stability. Companies and investors usually don’t have the necessary expertise to do this in-house.

We can help.

Conflict Analysis & Conflict Sensitivity

Many commercial decisions are made without an appreciation of the conflict risk - or risk mitigations - that could de-risk decisions, or inform different and better choices. Whether you are making market entry ‘go-no-go’ decision, aligning with voluntary principles, seeking to manage your risk effectively, or trying to have a positive impact on communities as a result of your commercial decisions, understanding the context is central.

We support companies and investors via our conflict analysis and conflict sensitivity toolkit to understand the contexts they are operating in.

We do this in the language of business, and we seek to embed our recommendations - including practical tools and approaches - within your team, building your team’s skills as we go.

For support on understanding your context and manage your conflict risks and impacts

Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is an established and highly regarded framework for responsible business. In fragile and conflict affected contexts, the Principles call for Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence to be conducted.

However, practically applying the guidance can be challenging. Every context is different, and every company or investor interacts differently with the context. We support clients to understand Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence (HRRDD) and take practical steps to apply it.

Through the application of conflict-informed tools, roadmaps, guidance and training, we support your teams to ensure that the due-diligence processes are well understood and well delivered in ways that support your business.

For support or training in Heightened Human Rights Due Diligence

Responsible Action in Crisis or Conflict

As conflict and inequality rises and social cohesion deteriorates businesses need skills and capabilities to navigate increased conflict and geopolitical tensions. Responsible Action in Crisis (RAC) is key to ensuring businesses align with international human rights norms, protect their people and their interests, and use their leverage effectively.

The key to effective response is preparedness, well integrated into existing business processes and systems. Our approach integrates either a rapid response, or a planned response, into your business operations.

Depending on where your business operates, we will design a solution in context to make sure your practices don’t cause harm and maximize positive outcomes.

For support on Responsible Action in Crisis or Conflict