Use Case: Building Business & Child Rights Capacity at UNICEF Netherlands

Use case

The problem

UNICEF Netherlands wanted to strengthen its capacity to engage effectively with companies on children’s rights.

“How can we better support companies in respecting and promoting children’s rights and ensure we’re credible partners in dialogues around business and human rights?”

They needed internal knowledge, practical tools, and experience working directly with the private sector.

The context

Since UNICEF launced the children’s rights and business principles in 2012, the national offices also needed to contribute to conversations on child rights in business. However, in-depth expertise and hands-on experience with corporate engagement and responsible business conduct were still being developed internally. There was a clear need for capacity-building and strategic support.

Our action

Over several years, HUMAN RIGHTS AT WORK supported UNICEF Netherlands to build its internal and external capacity by:

Delivering tailored training sessions and workshops on children’s rights and business;
Supporting dialogue with companies in sectors such as food, apparel, and finance;
Participating in multi-stakeholder initiatives ;
Advising on UNICEF’s own procurement policy, to reflect child rights due diligence expectations.

The result

Increased internal knowledge and confidence to engage with the private sector;
Stronger positioning of UNICEF Netherlands as a thought leader on children’s rights in business;
More meaningful and strategic partnerships with companies and other stakeholders;
Concrete improvements in UNICEF’s own responsible procurement practices.

Insights

When organisations want to influence the private sector, credibility starts with internal clarity and capacity. Investing in knowledge and engagement skills creates the foundation for long-term impact.

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