====== Hague Rules on Business and Human Rights Arbitration (2019) ======

//As of 1 October 2026. Information only, not legal advice – see the [[about:disclaimer|disclaimer]].//

^ Full title | The Hague Rules on Business and Human Rights Arbitration |
^ Type | Procedural rules for arbitration (private instrument) |
^ Adopted by | Business and Human Rights Arbitration Working Group, coordinated by the Center for International Legal Cooperation (CILC); drafting team chaired by Judge Bruno Simma |
^ Adopted | Launched on 12 December 2019 at the Peace Palace, The Hague |
^ Legal status | Not law; apply only where the parties agree to them |
^ Official text | [[https://cilc.nl/?p=13198|CILC]] |
^ Subject area | Private actors, liability and insurance |

===== Overview =====
The Hague Rules are based on the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules (2013) with modifications for disputes concerning the human rights impacts of business activities. They can be used by companies, affected persons and communities, workers, States and organisations, for example under contracts in supply chains or by agreement after a dispute has arisen. They are referred to as one of the non-judicial and private avenues of remedy envisaged by the [[law:un:guiding_principles_business|UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights]].

===== Provisions relevant to the cyber and information sphere =====
  * Requirements of expertise and high moral character for arbitrators, including expertise in business and human rights for the presiding arbitrator (Art. 11).
  * Measures to ensure that parties facing barriers have an effective opportunity to present their case (Art. 5).
  * Protection of witnesses and of the identity of parties where needed (Art. 18).
  * Provisions on multiparty proceedings and on the early dismissal of manifestly unfounded claims.
  * A presumption of transparency of proceedings and awards, subject to protection of sensitive information.

===== Application to cyber and information operations =====
The rules are not specific to the cyber and information sphere. They are relevant where disputes concern the conduct of businesses in conflict-affected contexts, including providers of digital services, and where parties prefer a private procedure to litigation in national courts.

===== Recent developments =====
  * 2019-12-12: Launch at the Peace Palace, The Hague.

===== Related entries =====
  * [[law:un:guiding_principles_business]]
  * [[law:eu:dsa]]
  * [[topics:private_actors]]

===== Sources =====
  * [[https://cilc.nl/?p=13198|CILC: Launch of The Hague Rules on Business and Human Rights Arbitration]], accessed 2026-10-01
  * [[https://www.linklaters.com/en/insights/blogs/arbitrationlinks/2020/january/the-hague-rules-on-business-and-human-rights-arbitration|Linklaters: The Hague Rules on Business and Human Rights Arbitration (2020)]], accessed 2026-10-01

===== Change log =====
  * 2026-10-01: Entry created.