National action plans on business & human rights: On the domestic instrumentalization of international law

Abstract

Since 2011, the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by States has been measured particularly through the development and adoption of National Action Plans. This approach, focused on the use of public policy as a tool for the domestic application of international law, requires a thorough examination, due to the primordial focus on non-binding measures that aim to coordinate the efforts of public administration (as opposed to legislation, regulation and judicial interpretation). Thus, this article analyzes the effectiveness of public policies on business and human rights as tools to give effect to international law in the domestic sphere.