International law handbook

27. States should provide effective and appropriate non-judicial grievance mechanisms, 
alongside judicial mechanisms, as part of a comprehensive State-based system for the remedy of 
business-related human rights abuse. 
Commentary
Administrative, legislative and other non-judicial mechanisms play an essential role in com-
plementing and supplementing judicial mechanisms. Even where judicial systems are effective and 
well-resourced, they cannot carry the burden of addressing all alleged abuses; judicial remedy is not 
always required; nor is it always the favoured approach for all claimants. 
Gaps in the provision of remedy for business-related human rights abuses could be filled, 
where appropriate, by expanding the mandates of existing non-judicial mechanisms and/or by 
adding new mechanisms. These may be mediation-based, adjudicative or follow other culturally-
appropriate and rights-compatible processes – or involve some combination of these – depending on 
the issues concerned, any public interest involved, and the potential needs of the parties. To ensure 
their effectiveness, they should meet the criteria set out in Principle 31.
National human rights institutions have a particularly important role to play in this regard. 
As with judicial mechanisms, States should consider ways to address any imbalances between 
the parties to business-related human rights claims and any additional barriers to access faced by 
individuals from groups or populations at heightened risk of vulnerability or marginalization.
non-state-based grievance mechanisms
28. States should consider ways to facilitate access to effective non-State-based grievance