Governance & Policy
Right to Remedy
Definition
The right to remedy is the entitlement of individuals and communities harmed by human rights abuses — including those caused or contributed to by businesses — to effective remedy, whether judicial, administrative, legislative or through non-judicial grievance mechanisms. It forms the third pillar of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: protect, respect and remedy. Effective remedies include apology, restitution, rehabilitation, compensation and guarantees of non-repetition.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Right to Remedy” is defined and used.
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
The concept structures grievance mechanism design (UNGP criterion 31's effectiveness criteria), remedy provisions in due diligence legislation, and litigation strategy in business and human rights cases.
Why it matters
Rights without remedies are aspirations; the remedy gap is the central unresolved problem of corporate accountability.