Human rights due diligence for beauty sector sourcing in Sudan
Human Rights & Modern Slavery | read time: 2 min
GoodCorporation supports organisations in conducting heightened human rights due diligence in conflict affected contexts.
A recent engagement involved assessing the human rights risks associated with sourcing a raw material commodity from Sudan for a company in the beauty sector. The objective of the assessment was to identify and evaluate potential human rights impacts arising within a rapidly evolving conflict environment. At the same time, the company needed to fulfil its responsibility to respect human rights, while managing the commercial realities of sourcing from a highly volatile context.
The operating context presented significant challenges. As is usually the cases in such contexts, conflict dynamics evolve quickly, meaning information becomes outdated rapidly and requires continuous reassessment. On the ground verification was extremely limited due to security constraints, and access to affected communities was further restricted by widespread telecommunications and internet shutdowns. In key regions, it was not possible to conduct interviews or site visits, significantly limiting direct engagement.
To address these constraints, GoodCorporation adopted a triangulated and adaptive methodology. This included working with a trusted local consultant, engaging remotely with farmers, traders and producers where feasible, consulting civil society organisations (CSOs) still operating in regions most affected by the conflict, and continuous monitoring of evolving conflict conditions. Findings were repeatedly reviewed and updated as new information became available.
The assessment considered risks arising from both international human rights law and international humanitarian law, reflecting the heightened expectations placed on businesses operating in conflict-affected contexts.
This approach enabled the organisation to build a robust and decision-useful picture of risk despite severe access limitations. The experience highlighted a key principle of hHRDD in practice. In conflict environments, certainty is rarely achievable. The objective is instead to build structured, adaptive processes that allow companies to make responsible decisions in conditions of uncertainty.
How GoodCorporation can help
GoodCorporation has over 25 years of global experience helping businesses to evaluate and mitigate risk human rights risk, often working in high-risk or conflicted-affected parts of the world. Drawing on our expertise in human rights due diligence, stakeholder engagement and risk assessment, we can devise situation-specific assessments and methodologies to help companies navigate such highly complex operating environments and make informed decisions in line with international standards and expectations. To learn more about our work in conflict-affected and high-risk areas, visit our human rights webpage or contact a member of the GoodCorporation team.
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