COLLABORATING FOR POSITIVE IMPACT:
EMBEDDING HUMAN RIGHTS AT THE HEART OF SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
Responsible business and respect for human rights are not only obligations, they are opportunities: opportunities for people, and for societal progress.
HUMAN RIGHTS consultancy ON A personal level
HUMAN RIGHTS AT WORK was founded by Liesbeth Unger in 2011.
Why did you start Human Rights at Work?
I have traveled extensively and lived and worked for many years in Asia and South America. During that time, I witnessed human rights being violated: children working on garbage dumps, wages too low to survive on, total dependence on employers for those living on plantations, people being forcibly removed from their land. The inequality and injustice I encountered has stayed with me ever since.
Governments in these countries often struggle with limited capacity, corruption, and insufficient resources to protect their citizens.
Companies can play a key role in improving working conditions worldwide. By taking responsibility, they can contribute to meaningful change.
After years working for the United Nations in Asia and for NGOs in the Netherlands, I therefore founded HUMAN RIGHTS AT WORK in 2011.
HUMAN RIGHTS AT WORK helps companies integrate human rights into their policies, practices, and supply chains, not only to comply with legislation but to create real impact.
What you can expect from me
With over twenty years of experience in the public and non-profit sectors, both in the Netherlands and internationally, as a human rights lawyer, advisor, and trainer, I understand the complexity of this field.
My approach is tailored: no standard advice, only practical, feasible solutions that fit your organization’s reality. Always with attention to nuance, feasibility, and impact. Substantive expertise combined with a realistic view of what works in practice.
This is why I consciously collaborate with companies, governments, and NGOs alike. That experience allows me to understand different perspectives, build bridges, and foster constructive collaboration. My background as a human rights lawyer and my hands-on experience in Asia are invaluable in creating impact for my clients. The European legislation affecting companies is based on international standards I have been working with for many years.
Respecting human rights is not a compliance checkbox, it is the foundation of sustainable business, societal trust, and value creation through responsible practices.
Collaboration
Together with a network of experienced consultants, researchers, and trainers, we provide tailored tools for human rights risk management.
Our goal is not only to meet legal requirements but to help companies excel in responsible business. I also work within CORE, a collective of six human rights experts supporting leading organizations in responsible business practices, based in Berlin, Germany.
What we can do for you?
Our work is based on three pillars that reinforce each other, from strategy to implementation, from policy to awareness.
Policy and strategy development
From vision to actionable policy and roadmap: setting a course that aligns with your organization and international standards.
Stakeholder management & dialogue
Facilitating conversations and dialogue with employees, supply chain partners, NGOs, and other stakeholders to build support.
Risk analysis & due diligence
Insight into risks, setting priorities, control over processes, and being prepared for external inquiries.
Training & knowledge transfer
Ensuring that people understand what human rights mean in their daily work and what actions they can take.
Want to know more?
Curious about what HUMAN RIGHTS AT WORK can do for your organization?
Let’s connect. I’d be happy to explore the possibilities with you.