About this project This guidance was developed under the ‘Advancing The Australian Human Rights Commission Responsible (AHRC) is Australia’s national human rights Business Conduct Project’, a collaboration between the Vietnam Chamber institution of Commerce and Industry and the Australian legislation of the Federal Parliament. The AHRC’s Human Rights Commission. This project aims operations are determined independently of the to strengthen business capability and cultivate government by its President and Commissioners. future business leaders to promote responsible The AHRC’s role is to work towards an Australia in business conduct and respect for human rights which human rights are respected, protected and in Vietnam. The project is supported by the promoted, finding practical solutions to issues Australian Government’s Department of Foreign of concern, advocating for systemic change and Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The views expressed raising awareness across the community. The in this guidance are the authors’ alone and are AHRC provides human rights analysis to courts not necessarily the views of the Australian or and parliamentary inquiries, conducts research, Vietnamese Government. and contributes to national and international The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is the only national organisation that assembles and represents the business community, employers and business associations in Vietnam for the purpose of developing, protecting, the in 1986 by partnerships to promote and protect human rights. The AHRC also has a complaint-handling function which requires it to investigate and, where appropriate, try to conciliate complaints made under federal anti-discrimination laws. In addition to its public education, complaint community. This contributes to the country’s handling and policy functions, the AHRC plays a socio-economic promoting role in advancing the protection and promotion technology of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region cooperation with foreign countries on the basis and globally by engaging and partnering with of equality and mutual benefit, according to governments, other NHRIs, international non- regulation of the law. The Office for Business government organisations (NGOs) and donors Sustainable Development (SDforB) is an office of through regional meetings, capacity-building VCCI with the function of supporting businesses activities and bilateral cooperation programs. and entrepreneurs in sustainable development. The AHRC is pleased to be partnering with the Through the work of SDforB and related teams, VCCI for this project in Vietnam. trade, supporting established business economic, and (NHRI), development, science and VCCI is actively involved in efforts and initiatives to promote responsible business conduct and corporate responsibility to respect human rights in Vietnam. Responsible business conduct and the tourism industry in Vietnam • Guidance for companies • 2022 | 7