Since 2005, the Resource Centre has made 303 approaches to UK headquartered and listed companies for responses to allegations of serious human rights abusesaround the world; 77% of these resulted in a response.  Our analysis of these approaches indicated that there were three main areas of concern.

1. The vast majority of these cases related to allegations of extraterritorial abuse, mostly in theGlobal South where victims had limited access to remedy.

2. A  disproportionate  number  of  allegations  are  against  extractive  companies;  47%  of  ourapproaches were to these companies.

3.Labour abuses emerged as the largest area of concern for non-extractive companies with 32% of approaches made to companies concerning this issue.

Drawing on analysis of our company response process, this briefing makes recommendations on these issues which we hope the next government will prioritise for action after the General Election.  We believe that such changes are vital if the UK is to comply with its international commitment to protect human rights under the UN Guiding Principles.  Doing so will help close the accountability gap which currently allows UK companies to evade justice and leaves victims, particularly those victims harmed abroad, without remedy.