As a general rule, grievance mechanisms accept complaints from affected individuals, groups and/or their representatives – provided the complaint falls within the scope of the mechanism.

Specific requirements of complaint procedures

Each grievance mechanism may have specific eligibility requirements that must be met before a complaint will be considered. For example, some labour-related mechanisms will only accept complaints submitted by trade union organisations. Other mechanisms will only accept complaints from project-affected people or workers.

Jointly filing a complaint against a company

Complaints are often filed jointly by a number of individuals or groups in national or international coalitions for reasons of standing, international solidarity and relevant expertise. Complaints filed jointly by individuals and groups may also help to increase awareness of the issues nationally or internationally.

Individuals may include:

• human rights activists
• workers
• trade unionists
• community leaders

Groups may include:

• trade unions
• peasant associations
• local communities
• indigenous peoples
• social movements
• civil society organisations