POLYCENTRICITY AND POLYPHONY IN INTERNATIONAL LAW: INTERPRETING THE CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY TO RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract Complex multi-actors and multi-level governance structures have emerged in areas that were traditionally exclusively the preserve of State treaty-making. The adoption United Nations Guiding Principles on Business Human Rights (UNGP) affirmed a corporate responsibility to respect human rights be implemented through due diligence (HRDD), ie via management processes. open-ended character UNGP generated emergence other soft instruments offering guidance corporations structuring HRDD. This contribution conceptualises from perspective regulation as principles-based exercise polycentric reliant regulatory intermediaries for interpretation. It then assesses role various sui generis normative providing interpretation and, how presence an additional layer interpretative material contributes institutionalisation responsible conduct. analysis drafted by international, non-governmental business organisations reveals both decentralising tension between different disagreements divergence concerning precise extent responsibilities, well attempts centralise UNGP. article concludes recommending some caution towards employment regimes their lack centralised interpretive authority this domain international law suggests possible ways formally establish