PART 4: HOW SHOULD BUSINESS RESPOND? In addition to severity, the UN Guiding Principles also ask business to look at the likelihood of an impact occurring when considering a risk. It is important to note that a low likelihood of a severe human rights risk occurring does not necessarily mean the risk should be downgraded, especially where the harm to the person affected cannot be remediated.112 Scale The gravity of the impact on the human right(s) Scope The number of individuals that are or could be affected Irremediability The ease or otherwise with which those impacted could be restored to their prior enjoyment of the right(s)113 The UN Guiding Principles outline that human rights due diligence is an iterative and ongoing process that takes into account the evolving nature of both businesses and human rights risks.114 Once your business has addressed its most severe human rights impacts, the human rights due diligence process expects businesses to progressively take action to address other human rights impacts. As with other business risks, human rights risks should be assessed before key decisions are made such as commencing a new project or entry into a new market, launching a new product, or entering a new business relationship (for example with a supplier).115 44 | Identifying and assessing risks: a snapshot 1. Develop a clear understanding of your business’ structure and operations, including supply chains. 2. Research key human rights issues for the sector, drawing information from media reports, international organisations, civil society organisations, industry associations, unions and academics. Also draw on internal information, for example from any existing grievance mechanisms. 3. Engage in meaningful consultation with potentially-impacted groups and stakeholders to develop a deeper understanding of possible risks and impacts. 4. Once you have mapped out the potential human rights issues, assess the risks based on severity and likelihood.