Businesses must address role in human rights abuses

December 10th 2009

Despite growing awareness among corporate leaders of the social and environmental impacts of their operations, business involvement in human rights abuses remains a key global governance challenge.

A lack of transparency and controls, inconsistent criteria for operating in conflict zones and weak standards for human rights due diligence require greater attention and joint action.

The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) launched its Top 10 list of emerging business and human rights challenges for 2010 to mark International Human Rights Day.

"This is a call to raise corporate standards and strengthen public policy to ensure that the activities of companies do not contribute to human rights abuses," said John Morrison, IHRB Executive Director.

Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and Chair of IHRB’s Advisory Board said, "New incentives are needed to improve transparency, learning and quality assurance across much of the work aimed at supporting business in acting responsibly.

"The Institute’s Top 10 list is a reminder of the ongoing and emerging governance gaps and operational challenges requiring action by governments, business leaders and civil society."

About the Institute for Human Rights and Business
The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) is a global centre of expertise on the relationship between business and internationally proclaimed human rights standards. IHRB provides a trusted, impartial space for dialogue and independent analysis to deepen understanding of human rights challenges and issues and the appropriate role of business.

It seeks to address problems where the law may be unclear, where accountability and responsibility may not be well-defined, and where legitimate dispute settlement mechanisms may be non-existent or poorly-administered. IHRB works to raise corporate standards and strengthen public policy to ensure that the activities of companies do not contribute to human rights abuses, and in fact lead to positive outcomes.