The work of the CORE relates to business and human rights in an international context where human rights issues may involve multiple parties and underserved individuals and groups. These issues may be complex, significant, systemic and serious and may have arisen in a highly conflictual climate and/or a fragile state where there are significant risks, including risks to the physical safety of CORE staff, contractors and stakeholders, and the risk of retaliation against complainants. If unresolved, these issues may have negative consequences not only for those directly impacted by the situation but also for other individuals, groups, communities, organizations, stakeholders, or for Canadian companies and their business partners.
The CORE requires an international roster (a standing offer) of diverse human rights investigators to carry out investigations relating to complaints and Ombud-initiated reviews, using independent fact-finding.
A Contractor who qualifies for the Standing Offer may be called upon to deliver investigation services related to alleged human rights abuses on an “as and when needed basis” through a call up. Depending on the case and the preferred approach, the CORE may call upon senior or junior investigators from the Standing Offer to work solo or as part of an investigation team or, in the case of a senior investigator, to lead an investigation team.
