The project takes stock of existing private policies and guidelines with regard to human rights. Past and present experience gained in the field of labour standards will be evaluated, including child labour, social rights and civil liberties. Research looks at how human rights policies are reflected in contractual relations, how the implementation of such policies is assured and which suitable mechanisms could bring about human rights compliance without at the same time compromising international trade law. Based on the results, the project aims at elaborating a conceptual framework that not only allows for human rights compliance, but also for business feasibility and compatibility with international trade law. A PhD student – partially funded by the Centre for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (CCRS) – will be working on this project.