Economic Globalization and Human Rights
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Man walks along oil pipeline belonging to the Agip Oil company, Obrikom, Nigeria © APGraphicsBank |
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights calls on every organ of society, which includes companies, to secure universal recognition and observance of human rights. Governments have the primary responsibility under current international law to secure universal enjoyment of human rights.
However, Amnesty International maintains that companies have a responsibility to observe international human rights standards too.
Amnesty International's research and campaigning continues to highlight human rights abuses resulting from the failure of governments to comply with their obligation to protect against human rights abuses by companies and by companies not living up to their own human rights responsibilities.
 | Blood Diamonds are still a reality Blood diamonds fuel conflict, civil wars and human rights abuses. An estimated 3.7 million people have died in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Liberia, and Sierra Leone in conflicts fuelled by diamonds. |
 | The Internet and Human Rights Internet companies have an invaluable role to play in the realization of freedom of expression and information. But in China, Microsoft, Google and Yahoo are aiding repression, censorship, and violation of fundamental freedoms - read AI's statement. |
 | India: Bhopal gas leak disaster two decades on More than 22,000 people have died from the leak of toxic gas from a Union Carbide (UCC) chemical plant in Bhopal, India in 1984. Thousands more suffer from chronic and debilitating illnesses. Dow Chemical, which merged with UCC in 2001, has denied all responsibility. In April 2006, Amnesty International wrote to the Prime Minister of India. Read the report: Clouds of Injustice, Bhopal disaster 20 years on |
