We help companies and investors investigate and respond to allegations of human rights abuses in their operations, value chain and portfolios.
Independent and rigorous
When our clients receive reports of wrongdoing in their operations, they come to Wallbrook to carry out an independent investigation and advise on next steps.
INVESTIGATIONS EXPERTISE
We support our clients to understand and respond to allegations of human rights abuses, whether from internal (e.g. whistleblower) or external reporting (e.g. the press and NGOs). We analyse publicly available information and company documents, and speak to former employees and experts on the ground, to provide an independent assessment of the facts. As well as intelligence gathering, we interview victims, witnesses, whistleblowers and other parties familiar with the matter. Our team has experience conducting fact-finding exercises to support external counsel.
hUMAN rIGHTS lENS
We evaluate allegations in the context of local law and international human rights and labour standards. Based on our findings, we make actionable recommendations in line with leading international frameworks, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights and the IFC’s Environmental and Social Performance Standards, including on providing remedy if an adverse human rights impact has occurred.
ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE AND SAFE RESEARCH
Our team has deep experience leading desktop and field investigations into labour and human rights abuses, including discreet “outside-in” investigations. Our foundational principle for engaging with stakeholders is to Do No Harm. We seek to undertake ethical, responsible and safe research ensuring the wellbeing of our staff and those we interview.
CASE STUDY: HOSPITALITY IN INDONESIA
An international hotel chain commissioned us to investigate public allegations of human rights abuses against indigenous communities close to one of its hotel investments in Indonesia. We conducted an on-the-ground investigation, interviewing affected indigenous residents, local activists and NGO personnel, and assessed the extent of the client’s responsibilities under the UNGPs. Based on our findings, we advised the client on formulating an appropriate response, helping to calibrate its approach to managing local partners and mitigating key risks.