Deadline: 14-Aug-2026
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is inviting civil society organisations in Türkiye to strengthen the Business and Human Rights (BHR) framework through advocacy, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder cooperation. The programme supports structured dialogue between businesses and rights holders, promotes women’s rights in economic systems, and builds CSO capacity to align with international and EU standards.
What is the UNDP Business and Human Rights Programme?
This UNDP grant programme supports civil society organisations working to improve the implementation of Business and Human Rights standards in Türkiye. It focuses on strengthening cooperation between businesses, workers, employers, and civil society while improving accountability, monitoring, and advocacy systems.
The initiative also places strong emphasis on women’s rights, workplace equality, and inclusive economic participation.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen Business and Human Rights (BHR) frameworks in Türkiye
- Improve dialogue between businesses and civil society
- Enhance CSO capacity for advocacy and monitoring
- Support implementation of EU and international BHR standards
- Promote accountability and access to remedies
- Advance women’s rights in business and value chains
- Improve corporate responsibility practices
- Strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration
Programme Structure (Three Lots)
The grant is divided into three strategic funding streams:
Lot 1: Structured Dialogue and Partnership
- Supports collaboration between businesses and rights holders
- Requires partnership-based implementation
- Focus on dialogue mechanisms and stakeholder engagement
Lot 2: CSO Capacity Development
- Strengthens civil society organisations in BHR programming
- Supports advocacy, monitoring, and reporting capacity
- Focus on peer learning and institutional strengthening
Lot 3: Women’s Rights and Empowerment
- Promotes gender equality in business environments
- Focus on women in workplaces, markets, and supply chains
- Addresses gendered impacts of business operations
Funding Amounts
- Lot 1: USD 80,001 – USD 140,000
- Lot 2: USD 60,000 – USD 80,000
- Lot 3: USD 60,000 – USD 80,000
Each lot has a defined budget allocation aligned with its strategic focus.
Programme Duration
- Project duration: 6 to 12 months
- Implementation location: Türkiye
- Limited exceptions allowed (e.g., study visits)
Key Thematic Areas
Business and Human Rights (BHR)
- Implementation of international BHR frameworks
- EU-aligned corporate responsibility standards
- Monitoring and accountability systems
Civil Society Strengthening
- Capacity building for CSOs
- Advocacy and policy engagement
- Peer learning and knowledge exchange
Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
- Workplace equality initiatives
- Women’s participation in business ecosystems
- Gender-sensitive policy and practice reforms
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
- Business–civil society dialogue platforms
- Employer and employee collaboration
- Rights holder engagement mechanisms
Expected Outcomes
The programme is expected to:
- Improve CSO effectiveness in BHR advocacy and programming
- Strengthen corporate compliance with human rights standards
- Enhance dialogue between businesses and rights holders
- Increase accountability mechanisms in business practices
- Expand women’s rights protections in economic systems
- Support policy improvements in BHR governance
Eligible Applicants
Eligible organisations include:
- Civil society organisations registered under Turkish Law No. 4721 and No. 5253
- Non-profit legal entities in Türkiye
- Organisations supporting SMEs or enterprise-level BHR integration (where applicable)
Implementation Requirements
Applicants must ensure:
- Alignment with international and EU BHR standards
- Multi-stakeholder engagement approaches
- Strong monitoring and evaluation systems
- Gender-sensitive programming design
- Clear advocacy and capacity-building strategies
Why This Programme Matters
This UNDP initiative is important because it:
- Strengthens human rights protections in business environments
- Improves corporate accountability and transparency
- Builds stronger civil society capacity in Türkiye
- Promotes gender equality in economic systems
- Encourages ethical and sustainable business practices
- Enhances cooperation between public, private, and civil society actors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Business and Human Rights (BHR)?
It is a framework ensuring businesses respect human rights in their operations and supply chains.
Who can apply for this grant?
Civil society organisations legally registered in Türkiye.
What is the main focus of the programme?
Strengthening BHR implementation through advocacy, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.
How long are projects funded?
Between 6 and 12 months.
Are women’s rights included in the programme?
Yes, Lot 3 specifically focuses on women’s empowerment and gender equality.
What is the funding range?
Between USD 60,000 and USD 140,000 depending on the lot.
Where must projects be implemented?
In Türkiye.
Conclusion
The UNDP Türkiye Business and Human Rights grant programme is designed to strengthen responsible business practices, civil society capacity, and gender equality through structured dialogue and multi-stakeholder cooperation. By aligning with international standards, it aims to improve accountability, empower women, and reinforce human rights protections across Türkiye’s business ecosystem.
For more information, visit UNDP.
