Course Description

“Development cannot be achieved sustainably without respecting human rights.”

This advanced-level course provides a comprehensive and practical understanding of how to report on human rights using the GRI Standards. Delivered by the University of Sarajevo – GRI Certified Training Partner (CTP), it equips participants with the tools to identify, assess, and transparently disclose human rights impacts in line with international frameworks.

Through this course participants will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of human rights due diligence
• Explore the alignment with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
• Understand compliance requirements with key European regulations, including the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to support or lead their organisation’s human rights due diligence and disclosure processes, ensuring accountability, stakeholder trust, and compliance with global standards.

Course Content / Training Agenda

Delivery format: Interactive workshop with presentations, case examples, and guided discussions.

Introduction

• Welcome, orientation, and course overview

Part 1: Introduction to Human Rights and Human Rights Reporting

• Fundamental concepts of human rights and their relevance to business
• Importance of transparency in human rights performance for accountability, risk management, and sustainable development

Part 2: GRI Standards with a Human Rights Lens

Structure and purpose of the GRI Standards

Human rights-related concepts and disclosures within the GRI framework

Part 3: Reporting Expectations and Human Rights Disclosures

• Identifying material human rights topics
• Conducting due diligence and reporting on how impacts are addressed
• Real-world case studies and sector-specific considerations

Final Session: Wrap-Up and Next Steps

• Recap of key concepts
• Reflections, Q&A, and practical next steps

All participants receive course materials, practical templates, and a Certificate of Completion.

 

Target Audience

This course is designed for both new and experienced sustainability professionals, especially those involved in human rights disclosures and due diligence.
Relevant for:

• Sustainability and CSR practitioners
• ESG officers and reporting managers
• Human rights and compliance professionals
• Consultants and advisors
• Auditors, policy makers, regulators
• Academics, students, and researchers

Skills You Will Acquire

• Explain the role of human rights in sustainability reporting
• Understand GRI’s human rights-related concepts and disclosures
• Conduct materiality assessments for human rights impacts
• Apply due diligence principles in reporting processes
• Analyse and report human rights practices using real-life case studies

 

These skills prepare participants to lead or support integration of human rights into organisational reporting, aligned with global standards and stakeholder expectations.

Course Information

• Duration: 1 day
• Language: English or Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian
• Delivery Options: Live remote training or face-to-face workshops
• Prerequisites: No prior knowledge required
• Certificate: Certificate of Completion (issued by GRI Academy — see example)
• Course Fees: View Course Fees (including available discounts)
• What We Offer: Explore Course Benefits (tekst ispod)
• SDG Alignment: Your Contribution to Achieving the UN SDGs (tekst ispod)
• Preparation Tip: Participants are encouraged to read the GRI Universal Standards before the course
• Note: This course is part of the GRI Professional Certification Program

Top 3 Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Focuses on labour rights, OHS, and fair employment practices.

• GRI 2 (governance and policies), GRI 401–407 (labour practices), GRI 403 (OHS)

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Addresses discrimination, vulnerable groups, Indigenous peoples, and migrant workers.

• GRI 405 (Diversity), GRI 406 (Non-Discrimination), GRI 411–412 (Human Rights Assessment)

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Explores governance, grievance mechanisms, corporate accountability, and ethical conduct.

• GRI 2-25 to 2-27 (governance, policies, grievance)
• Links to UNGPs and OECD Guidelines

 

What We Offer

• Live, Instructor-Led Sessions – with downloadable presentations and local/global case studies
• Interactive Components – quizzes, knowledge checks, and exercises
• Peer Collaboration – guided group discussions and networking opportunities
• Smart Learning Tools – glossaries, flashcards, and expert video interviews
• Local Context & Global Relevance – tailored case examples for your industry
• Direct Trainer Access – personalised feedback and practical guidance

 

Learning objectives

After completing this course, you will be abble to:

1. State the relevance of human rights and human rights transparency to business
2. Describe the key concepts in the GRI Standards as well as the process of identifying impacts and determining material topics related to human rights
3. Discuss the disclosures related to human rights, including the requirements and guidance
4. Apply the human rights-related disclosures by analyzing practical examples