Why do human rights matter to business?
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| Cover of the AI leafet Human rights are everybody's business Photo © AP |
As the Business Group of Amnesty International (UK) puts it: "The global economy offers unprecedented opportunities to business. Transnational companies are investing in and sourcing from an ever-increasing number of emerging markets. These opportunities bring with them serious threats to business - operating in conflict zones, under regimes with a weak rule of law where human rights are violated, where corruption is rife".
Human rights violations destabilise the investment climate. At stake are employee safety, company assets, project viability and corporate reputation. As the influence of global companies grows in the world economy, and as their impact on the societies in which they work deepens, it is becoming evident that their licence to operate and their reputation depend on their acceptability to society at large.
Respect for human rights is at the core of this acceptability. Without a firm commitment to upholding international human rights standards, companies are exposing themselves to risk. A framework of international standards exists in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and core labour standards of the International Labour Organisation which can help companies shape their human rights principles and practice.
How does Amnesty International work towards these objectives?
Amnesty International establishes a dialogue with companies through business groups in country-level sections. This work is coordinated by the Business and Economic Relations Network (BERN). Please see also AI's publication 'Human Rights are Everybody's Business' (POL34/008/2002).
Does Amnesty International write a code of conduct for a company?
No. But Amnesty International provides Human Rights Principles for Companies (ACT 70/001/1998) which lists the principles companies should bear in mind to develop a code of conduct. The principles also include other international standards, conventions and protocols which apply to companies.
Does Amnesty International provide human rights training to companies?
Not at present.
Does Amnesty International assess risk for multinational companies?
No, but Amnesty International (UK) and the Prince of Wales International Business Leader Forum (IBLF) collaborated to produce a series of seven detailed maps, which depict where human rights abuses and violations exist and where leading North America and European Multinational companies are at risk of being associated with them.The collection of maps A geography of corporate risk covers the extractive, food and beverages, pharmaceutical and chemical, infrastructure and utilities, heavy manufacturing and utilities, defence and IT hardware and telecommunications sectors.
Press Releases
- Voluntary commitments by companies are not enough (AI Index: POL 30/036/2003)
- Business and Human Rights: Amnesty International Secretary General makes case for legal regulation (AI Index: POL 30/034/2003)
