About Us

Common Rights is an international consultancy focused on developing novel approaches to complex global social and environmental challenges. We grew out of growing need for strategic analysis and problem solving on issues at the intersection of environmental health and human rights.

Common Rights was founded by Baskut Tuncak, an international lawyer and biochemist specializing on environment and human rights-related matters. Mr. Tuncak was appointed Special Rapporteur on human rights and hazardous substances by the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2014. In that capacity, he has advised governments, international organizations, and businesses on a range of complex social and environmental issues for several years. Mr. Tuncak has nearly 20 years of professional experience in private and public sectors, divided between work as a research scientist with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and senior legal positions with non-profit organizations and research institutions. He as served as an advisor to various initiatives of the United Nations agencies, national  governments and philanthropic donors.

Our team of lawyers, scientists, political analysts and communication specialists from around brings necessary skills and perspective to each project. We help our clients use new legal tools, and to apply principles of ethics, equity and human dignity to solve complex environmental and human health challenges.

What we do

Common Rights works closely with clients to build successful projects on in a range of issues clean, healthy and sustainable environment. 

Our clients range from international agencies and leading non-profit organizations, to philanthropic foundations and other donors, as well as law firms and consultancies. Our clients are based around the world, from North America, to Europe and Asia. 

Solutions developed by Common Rights have opened new avenues for positive change, whether at local,  national or international levels.  Common Rights is a trusted partner for organizations for their needs on the intersection of the environment and human rights.

We provide specialized advice and analysis on issues related to environmental pollution, toxic consumer products, occupational health, and business ethics —often times where they relate to international laws and standards regarding human rights and corporate responsibility. Common Rights also provides robust strategic guidance and regarding campaigns and social movements for change.

Areas Of Expertise

Environmental Pollution

Pollution is the leading cause of premature death in many countries. From air pollution to water contamination, our environmental scientists have deep technical knowledge on environmental and human health risks, working hand-in-hand with our legal and political experts to provide accurate analysis.

Toxic Chemicals & Pesticides

Our chemists and lawyers bring their technical and legal experience working on complex laws and policies for industrial chemicals, agricultural chemicals and consumer products in countries around the world. Our

Human Rights

We have unrivaled expertise in human rights and toxic pollution, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Common Rights excels at framing and analyzing technical environmental concerns through the lens of human rights, and opening new avenues for protection and redress.

Climate Change

From water and food scarcity to migration to greenhouse gas mitigation , climate change demands unprecedented adjustments by all segments of society. Our multi-disciplinary teams identify synergies between health and climate, help enhance mitigation efforts while minimizing unintended consequences, and develop strategies to help vulnerable groups adapt to a changing climate.

Circular Economy & Supply Chains

Complex supply chains present not only challenges, but also opportunities for advancing sustainability and protecting vulnerable communities at the global level. Likewise, a circular economy is essential for both sustainability and human rights. We have helped clients look to supply chains and the circular economy to expand the impact of their efforts globally. Clients have turned to Common Rights to help craft stronger laws and policies, including international treaties for global change.

Occupational Health

Worker rights are human rights. Common rights has specialized expertise in both labor and human rights laws, with a track record of successfully bridging the two. We have helped clients identify new legal avenues to strengthen protections and find redress.

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