Effective grievance mechanisms are a key element of human rights and corporate due diligence. The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights as well as the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains in the Garment and Footwear Sector require companies to provide for or cooperate in providing the remediation of adverse human rights impacts. To make it possible for grievances to be addressed and remediated, brands should establish or participate in effective grievance mechanisms for affected individuals and communities.

This is reflected in existing and upcoming legislation such as the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains, and the EU CSDDD which will gradually require companies to ensure the availability of effective grievance mechanisms in their supply chains. While the development of allowing more workers to access remedy is welcome, the large number of existing grievance mechanisms poses certain risks. Unmanaged and uncoordinated, too many ineffective grievances run the risks of creating confusion for workers, duplication of resources, inefficiencies, and a lack of accountability for companies.