Summary
This paper explores the roles and responsibilities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in shaping or influencing grievance mechanisms and investigates worker access to remedy in global supply chains. It draws on case studies and interviews with key informants in both the NGO and private sector. The role of NGOs and civil society in the area of grievance mechanisms and access to remedy has grown substantially since the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council operationalized the Framework for Business and Human Rights in June, 2008. Today, NGOs and civil society organizations play several integral roles in supporting the Framework’s third pillar, which encourages businesses to take ownership in providing grievance mechanisms and remedy. This paper discusses four such roles, offering specific examples.