International Law, Human Rights and Corporations: Emerging Issues. Paper for the IBA Conference October 2007
|
|
- Amos Russell
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 International Law, Human Rights and Corporations: Emerging Issues Paper for the IBA Conference October 2007
2 International Law, Human Rights and Corporations: Emerging Issues Authors: Craig Phillips Rachel Nicolson Jess Moir Allens Arthur Robinson 1. The Draft Norms, Human Rights and Corporations: Some Broad Themes The draft Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Regard to Human Rights (the Norms) were adopted in August 2003, at a time of unprecedented debate at the international level on the application of human rights law to the operation of corporations. This debate continues with advocates for the direct application of human rights law to private actors challenging the traditional doctrinal view that human rights obligations appropriately lie with the State, which has responsibility for ensuring its private actors perform in accordance with those obligations. This paper explores a number of the key aspects of this debate. First, it summarises a number of developments at the international level in relation to corporate human rights obligations, namely the enactment of the Norms and what they sought to achieve; and appointment of the UN Special Representative of the Secretary General on Business and Human Rights, Professor John Ruggie, to address this emerging area of international and domestic law. Secondly, it outlines the relationship between international law, human rights and corporations, as it currently exists. This includes a discussion on and some examples of when corporations may be subject to international law obligations. It also includes an overview of how these corporate international law obligations may be experienced in an extraterritorial context, an issue that is currently being contested in a number of jurisdictions. A discussion on the role of voluntary standards and industry codes then follows, with these codes often examples of 'soft law' at the international level. The paper concludes with speculation on the directions this area of law may take and exploration of what this means for corporations.
3 2. Relevant Developments at the International Level 2.1 Summary While developments in respect of the international human rights law obligations of corporations could be said to have been evolving in a variety of fora over the last 30 to 40 years, it is in the last 5 years that clear steps have been taken at the international level to address this issue. The two key developments that occurred in this period were the enactment of the Norms in 2003 and the appointment of the UN Special Representative in The Draft Norms The Norms were approved by the UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights on 13 August These Norms were developed following consideration of the human rights law obligations of corporations by a number of international instruments and in a range jurisdictions. For instance, in 1997, the Commission on Human Rights Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities convened a panel of experts who issued a report entitled 'The Practice of Forced Evictions: Comprehensive Human Rights Guidelines on Development Based Displacement'. These guidelines aimed to create standards of conduct in respect of resettlement that occurred in connection with large scale development in infrastructure projects. In respect of general obligations, the guidelines stated that while responsibility for resettlement under international law is ultimately held by States, this does not relieve other entities from obligations in this regard, including transnational corporations. 2 It was as a result of these types of developments that the Norms evolved. The Norms affirmed obligations of States to ensure that corporations do not breach human rights. In doing so, they acknowledge that: States have primary responsibility to promote, secure the fulfilment of, respect, ensure respect of and protect human rights recognised in international as well as national law, including ensuring that transnational corporations and other business enterprises respect human rights. 3 The general obligations provision of the Norms goes on to state, however, that: Within their respective spheres of activity and influence, transnational corporations and other business enterprises have the obligation to promote, secure the fulfilment of, respect, 1 UN Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights resolution 2003/16, New.N.Doc.E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/L.11, at 52(2003). 2 Article Commission on Human Rights Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. Report entitled 'The Practice of Forced Evictions: Comprehensive Human Rights Guidelines on Development Based Displacement' General obligations, Norms.
4 ensure respect of and protect human rights recognised in international as well as national law, including the rights and interests of indigenous peoples and other vulnerable groups. 4 According to the preamble of the Norms, these obligations derive from the fact that transnational corporations and other business enterprises, as organs of society, are responsible, with States, for promoting and securing the human rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Norms assert an obligation on transnational corporations and other business enterprises, their officers and persons working for them, to respect generally recognised responsibilities in Norms contained in United Nations Treaties and other international instruments. 5 The Norms also sought to take into account the standards set forth in international soft law mechanisms such as the International Labour Organisation Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy; the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the United Nations Global Compact Initiative. The Norms also took note of: global trends which have increased the influence of transnational corporations and other business enterprises on the economies of most countries and in international economic relations, and of the growing number of other business enterprises which operate across national boundaries in a variety of arrangements resulting in economic activities beyond the actual capacities of any one national system. The Norms noted that corporations have the capacity to foster economic well being, development, technological improvement and wealth, as well as the capacity to cause harmful impacts on the human rights and lives of individuals through their core business practices and operations. The Norms go on to note that new international human rights issues and concerns are continually emerging and that transnational corporations and other business enterprises often are involved in these issues and concerns, such that further standard setting and implementation are required at this time and in the future. In this context, the Norms sought to impose on corporations obligations to protect the following particular human rights: right to equal opportunity and non-discriminatory treatment; right to security of persons; rights of workers; respect for the national sovereignty and human rights; obligations with regard to consumer protection; and obligations with regard to environmental protection. With respect to implementation, the Norms provided that corporations should adopt, disseminate and implement internal rules of operation in compliance with the Norms and 4 5 Ibid. Preamble, Norms.
5 should periodically report on the implementation of the Norms. Monitoring and verification of compliance would be undertaken by the United Nations, and other international and national mechanisms already in existence or yet to be created. States were required to establish and reinforce the necessary legal and administrative framework for ensuring the Norms were upheld. Corporations were required to give prompt, effective and adequate reparation to those persons, entities and communities adversely affected by a failure to comply with the Norms through reparations, restitution, compensation and rehabilitation for any damage done or property taken. 6 Unsurprisingly, the Norms put the issue of direct application of human rights obligations to corporations squarely on the agenda, and escalated international debate. The Norms sought to achieve that outcome by being an instrument for the "making and development of international law as to those responsibilities and obligations " 7 On one side, many members of the international legal community considered that the Norms should be realised as a formal international instrument of law that sought to apply human rights law obligations directly to corporations and provide an avenue of redress for victims of human rights violations. On the other side, international law traditionalists and many members of the corporate sector argued against what they considered to be a radical shift in international law paradigms. This debate evolved into a two year long stalemate on this international instrument. 2.3 The UN Special Representative his appointment and his key findings to date In July 2005, then United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan appointed a United Nations Special Representative on Business and Human Rights, Professor John Ruggie. Ostensibly, the United Nations Special Representative was appointed to resolve the stalemate on the Norms and to undertake a detailed examination of existing human rights law obligations of corporations under international and domestic law. He was also tasked with examining those human rights standards by which corporations do, or should, operate. The breadth of the mandate, and consequently the magnitude of the task assumed by Professor Ruggie, are both obvious. In his interim report to the Human Rights Council in April 2006, the UN Special Representative noted that globalisation has, amongst other things, imposed costs on people and communities, including corporate-related human rights abuses. 8 Following a further twelve months of extensive consultation and research under his mandate, in his first full report to the Human Rights Council on 9 February 2007, Professor Ruggie stated that: Long standing doctrinal arguments over whether corporations could be 'subjects' of international law, which impeded conceptual thinking on this issue and the attribution of direct legal responsibility to corporations, are yielding to new realities. Corporations are General provisions of implementation, Norms. Preamble Norms E/CN.4/2006/97, paragraphs 20 to 30.
6 increasingly recognised as 'participants' at the international level, with the capacity to bear some rights and duties under international law. 9 The main findings of his report were that : International law firmly establishes that States have a duty to protect against non-state human rights abuses within their jurisdiction, and that this duty extends to protection against abuses by business entities. Beyond the national territory, the scope of the duty will vary depending on the State's degree of power or effective control. 10 UN human rights treaty bodies and regional human rights systems affirm the State's duty to protect against non-state abuses and to establish similar correlative State requirements to regulate and adjudicate corporate acts. 11 As a result of key developments in international law and in domestic legal systems, there is growing potential for corporations to be directly and indirectly liable for international crimes. 12 In contrast to international crime, corporate responsibility for other human rights violations is 'subject to far greater existential debate'. 13 The traditional (and dominant) view is that international human rights instruments only impose indirect responsibilities on corporations, via State obligations. However, there is growing evidence of a less traditional view, that these instruments already impose direct legal responsibilities on corporations, but merely lack direct accountability mechanisms in respect of those obligations. For instance, the United Nations Sub-Committee on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, explaining that its proposed Norms 'reflect' and 'restate' existing international law, attributed the entire spectrum of State duties under the treaties to respect, protect, promote and fulfil rights to corporations within their 'spheres of influence'. The UN Special Representative also noted the growing number of soft law mechanisms that draw on human rights law in providing the standards of operation for corporations, for instance, the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. 14 Professor Ruggie concluded that the fact that human rights law does not consistently govern corporate activity leaves large protection gaps for victims as well as uncertainty for companies A/HRC/4/035, paragraph 20. A/HRC/4/035, paragraph 10. Ibid, paragraph 16. Ibid, paragraph 22. A/HRC/4/35, paragraph 33. A/HRC/4/035, paragraphs 47 and 48.
7 In pursuing his mandate, Professor Ruggie declined to use the Norms as his 'point of departure'. 15 It has this become clear that the UN Special Representative has reached a decision to move beyond the Norms as the potential basis for international human rights law obligations of corporations. 3. International Law, Human Rights and Corporations 3.1 Summary It is clear from the findings contained in the UN Special Representative's February 2007 Report to the Human Rights Commission that the primary obligation to uphold international law remains with States. As noted by Professor Ruggie: the State duty to protect against non-state abuses is the very foundation of the international human rights regime. The duty requires the State to play a key role in regulating and adjudicating abuses by business enterprises or risk breaching their international obligations. 16 Stated simply, no general set of international law rules exists which governs the conduct of corporations. However, there are a number of ways in which international law can create liability for corporations and individuals, including corporate officers and employees. This requires an understanding of the relationship between international law and domestic law, international criminal law and the extraterritorial application of international law standards. It also requires an understanding of how voluntary standards and industry codes fit within the international law structure and reflect international law standards. 3.2 When is a corporation subject to international law obligations under domestic law? International law standards may be incorporated into domestic law that regulates individual and corporate activity in a number circumstances. The most straightforward example of this occurs when an international instrument is directly incorporated into domestic law. This most commonly occurs when a State signs or 15 In his statement to United Nations Human Rights Council (Geneva) on 25 September 2006, introducing his interim report and outlining his work plan, Professor Ruggie explained his position in relation to the Norms: 'My major concern was the legal and conceptual foundations of the Norms, especially as expressed in the General Obligations section and the implications that flow from it. I judged them to be poorly conceived and, therefore, highly problematic in their potential effects. In the best case scenario, these formulations would do little more than keep lawyers in gainful employment for a generation to come. But in the worst case scenario, I fear, they would turn transnational corporations into more benign twenty-first century versions of East India companies, undermining the capacity of developing countries to generate independent and democratically controlled institutions capable of acting in the public interest which to my mind is by far the most effective guarantor of human rights. Accordingly, I moved on with the mandate I was assigned not to universal applause, I am well aware, but with the thoughtful engagement of stakeholders across a broad spectrum, from global business associations to campesino groups in the Andean highlands.' (at page 3) 16 A/HRC/4/035 paragraph 18
8 ratifies an international instrument and then amends or enacts domestic law to give domestic effect to the obligations that arise upon signing or ratifying that instrument. For instance, Australia's proposed International Trade Integrity Bill 2007 was introduced in the aftermath of the Cole Report on the UN Oil-for-Food Programme. The Bill (which has been approved by the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee) would amend existing legislation to 'strengthen enforcement of all UN sanctions and combat foreign bribery.' 17 The Bill would create a new offence (with significantly increased penalties) for individuals or corporations that engage in conduct in contravention of relevant UN sanctions with strict liability for corporations. It would also create an offence for people or corporations that provide false or misleading information in relation to sanctions, and would give increased information-gathering powers to agencies responsible for the enforcement of sanctions. Further examples of the realisation of international law obligations through domestic legislation are to be found in the ACT's Human Rights Act 2004 (the ACT HRA) and the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities 2006 (the Charter). The rights contained in the ACT HRA and the Charter were drawn from the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (the ICCPR). This is starkly illustrated in the ACT HRA, which contains a table setting out the ICCPR source of the human rights that it protects. 18 In addition, these instruments explicitly provide that courts may consider international law (and the judgments of international courts and tribunals) when interpreting human rights and legislation. 19 This is effectively a top down incorporation of international law in domestic law. However, the implementation of relevant principles of international law through the enactment of domestic legislation is not the only means by which obligations under international law may arise. Relevant principles of customary international law may be reflected in, and form part of, the domestic common law or customary law of various jurisdictions. Further, in many domestic legal systems, common law rights pre-dated the enunciation and protection of rights at an international level. For example, English common law recognised rights of procedural fairness and natural justice long before those rights were guaranteed in international instruments such as the ICCPR. These are the primary means by which international law standards may be applicable to individuals and corporations. The following diagram attempts to illustrate the key aspects of the relationship between international and domestic law. 17 The Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, House of Representatives, International Trade Integrity Bill 2007, Explanatory Memorandum, at page 1. Available at: < (2). Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT), Schedule 1. See Human Rights Act 2004 (ACT), s 31(1); Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic), s
9 International law and domestic law INTERNATIONAL LAW CUSTOMARY INTERNATIONAL LAW) JUDICIAL DECISIONS & WRITINGS TREATIES/ CONVENTIONS GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF NATIONAL LAW SOFT LAW UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTIONS STATES (MEMBERS) IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION INTERNATIONAL CRIME COMMON LAW STATUTE DOMESTIC LAW COMPANIES INDIVIDUALS 3.3 International criminal law the anomaly As recognised by the UN Special Representative in his February 2007 Report, it is in the area of international criminal law that corporations most directly experience international law obligations. In this sense, international criminal law is an anomaly in this matrix. In his 2007 Report, Professor Ruggie suggests that there is a trend toward increased recognition of corporate liability for international crimes. He describes 'an expanding web of potential corporate liability', created by the interplay between two key developments: 1. 'the expansion and refinement of individual responsibility by the international ad hoc criminal tribunals and the ICC Statute'; and 2. 'the extension of responsibility for international crimes to corporations under domestic law'. 20 The UN Special Representative notes that, under international law, individuals may be liable for crimes that they themselves commit, and that a superior may be liable for crimes committed by a subordinate (where the superior had reason to know the crime would be perpetrated and failed to prevent it). In addition, individuals may be liable for lesser levels of participation, such as 'aiding and abetting', or engaging in a 'common purpose' or a 'joint criminal enterprise'. 21 Professor Ruggie observes that it is unlikely that a 'legitimate' corporation will directly violate international criminal law; it is much more likely that such an entity will risk exposure A/HRC/4/035, paragraph 22. A/HRC/4/035, paragraph 23.
10 to liability by reason of allegations that the corporation has been complicit in a crime committed by a third party (such as a public or private security force). He states that: The international tribunals have developed a fairly clear standard for individual criminal aiding and abetting liability: knowingly providing practical assistance, encouragement or moral support that has a substantial effect on the commission of the crime. 22 He acknowledges that the legal idea of 'moral support' lacks clarity, and notes that: But a Company in good faith trying to avoid involvement in human rights abuses might have difficulty knowing what counts as moral support for legal purposes. Mere presence in a country and paying taxes are unlikely to create liability. But deriving indirect economic benefit from the wrongful conduct of others may do so, depending on such facts as the closeness of the company s association with those actors. Greater clarity currently does not exist. However, it is established that even where a corporation does not intend for the crime to occur, and regrets its commission, it will not be absolved of liability if it knew, or should have known, that it was providing assistance, and that the assistance would contribute to the commission of a crime. 23 Another way in which corporations are increasingly experiencing international criminal law obligations is through developments in domestic law following enactment of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (the Rome Statute). The Rome Statute effectively established the International Criminal Code and codified a narrow category of international crimes that are considered to apply under customary international law, not just to States, but to natural persons. These international crimes are known as jus cogens offences, namely torture, genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and slavery and private piracy. The Rome Statute gave jurisdiction to the international Criminal Court only over these offences and only over natural persons. As a result, directors, officers and employees are potentially subject to ICC jurisdiction. The Rome Statute did not give the ICC any jurisdiction over corporations, however, the incorporation of the provisions of the Rome Statute led to numerous States implementing legislation that extends liability for jus cogens offences to corporations. This is certainly the case in respect of the Australian Criminal Code, of which Part 2.5 extends liability for all offences within the Criminal Code to corporations. Following Australia's ratification of the Rome Statute, the Criminal Code was amended to include the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. 3.4 When do these international law obligations play out extraterritorially? Another issue that often arises in the context of corporate obligations for international human rights law standards is the application of these standards extraterritorially. This issue arises because of the transnational nature of many corporations' operations, which may result in different geographic arms or subsidiaries of a corporation being A/HRC/4/035, paragraph 31. A/HRC/4/035, paragraph 32.
11 connected to the same factual circumstance where it is alleged that human rights violations have occurred. There are two key ways in which international law standards are imposed or experienced by corporations extraterritorially. First, the indirect application of international law standards may occur when standards in one jurisdiction are not met in another. Often a corporation has its head office in one country and its project operations in another. The country hosting its project operations may implement legislation (in accordance with international law obligations) that exceeds the legal requirements imposed by the corporation's home State. Alternatively, and more commonly, it may be that the domestic legislation of that corporation's home jurisdiction contains more onerous obligations than does the project host country. For instance, the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 1977 (FCPA), which prohibits bribery of foreign officials, was amended in 1998 to implement the provisions of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, through domestic law. 24 The amended Act gives extraterritorial jurisdiction to US Courts in respect of activities of natural or legal persons undertaken extraterritorially in breach the Act. This has resulted in a number of prosecutions of US-based corporations for their activities overseas. 25 Another way in which a corporation may be exposed to international law obligations is through the adoption of relevant principles of international law in domestic laws that have extraterritorial reach. A unique example of this is the Alien Tort Claims Act in the United States, which gives the US Federal Court jurisdiction over civil actions brought by aliens for torts committed in violation of international law or a US treaty Voluntary standards and industry codes where do they fit in? Voluntary standards and industry codes often present confusion for corporations in respect of their legal status. This is because a number of voluntary standards are also effectively soft law within the international law system whereas others are merely industry codes developed to address industry specific issues. Soft laws are best characterised as either a product of the UN system, such as the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, or as agreements between particular States which, while not representing agreement between all UN Member States, may develop into such an instrument. An example of this would be the OECD Guidelines on Multi-National Enterprises See the United States' Department of Justice website: < See the OECD website for further detail and examples: 26 see A/HRC/4/035 para 30, where Professor Ruggie notes that more than 40 ATCA cases have been brought against corporations in the United States. Professor Ruggie describes this as being "the largest body of domestic jurisprudence regarding Corporation responsibility for international crimes".
12 Soft law is distinct from industry codes designed to address certain issues that arise within industries, for instance, The International Cyanide Management Code or the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme. These voluntary standards, whether they be soft law or mere industry codes, apply to corporations in a variety of ways and have a range of potential impacts. These include utilization by corporations: as published business practice standards; as internal policies; and as terms of contracts with other parties. Pursuant to certain voluntary standards, corporations may also be subject to monitoring by government or regional bodies, for instance, the OECD Guidelines for Multi-National Enterprises and the UN Global Compact. These can have a range of legal ramifications for corporations including consumer protection or trade practices type claims, shareholder resolutions or class actions and contract-based claims. They can also play a role in respect of corporate reputation. 4. International Law, Human Rights and Corporations Where is this issue of Law going and what does it mean for Corporations? It is clear that there is an increasing consideration of whether and how international human rights law obligations may apply directly or indirectly to corporations at the international level. It is also clear that, either as a result of or as an impetus to its increasing international profile, this issue has moved on to the domestic law agenda of a growing number of countries. As well as being on the agenda of the international community of States and of the individual activities of States, corporations themselves are increasingly demonstrating a tendency to rely on or reference international law and human rights as operational standards, contractual obligations etc. As the international and domestic human rights law obligations of corporations evolve, it is increasingly important that corporations develop an understanding of the role of international law and human rights law. This includes an understanding of potential exposure, both at law and in respect of corporate reputation. It also includes an understanding of how international law and human rights can be utilised positively by corporations to minimise legal risk associated with human rights allegations and to meet their corporate social responsibility commitments at a best practice level.
Economic and Social Council
UNITED NATIONS E Economic and Social Council Distr. GENERAL E/CN.4/Sub.2/2003/12/Rev.2 26 August 2003 Original: ENGLISH COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human
More informationHuman Rights & Business
Human Rights & Business Main Developments, Issues and Challenges Lund MA Course (2h) December 2014 Stéphanie Lagoutte, Senior Researcher Danish Institute for Human Rights 1 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY Clear
More informationPrinciples for an Internationally Legally Binding Instrument on TNC and other Business Enterprises with respect to Human Rights
Principles for an Internationally Legally Binding Instrument on TNC and other Business Enterprises with respect to Human Rights Introduction Professor Robert McCorquodale (r.mccorquodale@biicl.org) My
More informationINTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LouvainX online course - prof. Olivier De Schutter
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LouvainX online course - prof. Olivier De Schutter READING MATERIAL related to: section 4, sub-section 3: Transnational corporations and human rights Where the immediate cause
More informationBUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY COMPANY? 19 APRIL 2016 Donald Robertson, Partner, +61 9225 5523, donald.robertson@hsf.com Alex Newton, Consultant, +61 9225 5254, alex.newton@hsf.com
More informationELEMENTS FOR THE DRAFT LEGALLY BINDING INSTRUMENT ON TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES WITH RESPECT TO HUMAN RIGHTS
ELEMENTS FOR THE DRAFT LEGALLY BINDING INSTRUMENT ON TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES WITH RESPECT TO HUMAN RIGHTS Chairmanship of the OEIGWG established by HRC Res. A/HRC/RES/26/9
More informationPresented to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. 6 November 2009
Amnesty International s Brief in support of Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas in Developing Countries 1. Background Presented to the House
More informationPROMOTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT
UNITED NATIONS A General Assembly Distr. GENERAL A/HRC/11/13/Add.1 15 May 2009 Original: ENGLISH HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Eleventh session Agenda item 3 PROMOTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC,
More informationComments on the zero draft of the principles for responsible agricultural investment (rai) in the context of food security and nutrition
HAUT-COMMISSARIAT AUX DROITS DE L HOMME OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PALAIS DES NATIONS 1211 GENEVA 10, SWITZERLAND www.ohchr.org TEL: +41 22 917 9643 FAX: +41 22 917 9006 E-MAIL: srfood@ohchr.org
More informationA Brief History of the Development of Human Rights & Business at the UN. 1. The United Nations and transnational corporations during the 1970 s
A Brief History of the Development of Human Rights & Business at the UN 1. The United Nations and transnational corporations during the 1970 s On the back of revelations that US company, ITT, had conspired
More informationTHE IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESSES OF THEIR FAILURE TO RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS
THE IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESSES OF THEIR FAILURE TO RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS London, 31 October 2014 Stephane Brabant, Partner, stephane.brabant@hsf.com OVERVIEW Laws and standards in the area of business
More informationFiji Comments on the Discussion Paper on implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction... 1 1. Incorporating crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court... 2 (a) genocide... 2 (b) crimes against humanity... 2 (c) war crimes... 3 (d) Implementing other crimes
More informationAugust 1, 2011 Volume 15, Issue 21. The Human Rights Council Endorses Guiding Principles for Corporations. Introduction
August 1, 2011 Volume 15, Issue 21 The Human Rights Council Endorses Guiding Principles for Corporations By John H. Knox From the Draft Norms to the Ruggie Framework Introduction On June 16, 2011, the
More informationRights to land, fisheries and forests and Human Rights
Fold-out User Guide to the analysis of governance, situations of human rights violations and the role of stakeholders in relation to land tenure, fisheries and forests, based on the Guidelines The Tenure
More informationThe Joint Committee on Human Rights Human Rights and Business Inquiry
The Joint Committee on Human Rights Human Rights and Business Inquiry Summary The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC): notes that adoption of business and human rights concepts within government
More informationPolicy statement on Human Rights and the Legal Profession
Policy statement on Human Rights and the Legal Profession Key principles and commitments May 2017 The Policy was first adopted by Directors in June 2016. Key principles and commitments: background and
More informationTrade Union Comments. Throughout this process, we have advocated for the following key priorities to be included in the Binding Treaty:
1 ZERO DRAFT of the Legal Binding Instrument to Regulate, in International Human Rights Law, the Activities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises (the Binding Treaty) Trade Union
More informationExtraterritorial Jurisdiction under the Active Nationality Principle
Extraterritorial Jurisdiction under the Active Nationality Principle A Tool to Enhance Transnational Corporations Accountability for Human Rights Abuses? The Right of States to Exercise Nationality-Based
More informationQUESTIONNAIRE FOR MEMBER STATES: BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR MEMBER STATES: BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS Conducted by the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises Welcome Thank you for
More informationSubmission on the General Comment by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child Regarding Child Rights and the Business Sector First Draft
Submission on the General Comment by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child Regarding Child Rights and the Business Sector First Draft Prepared by Dr Joanna Kyriakakis 24 August 2012 Castan Centre
More informationComments of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. Employment and Recruitment Agencies Sector Discussion Paper. Introduction
Comments of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency on the Employment and Recruitment Agencies Sector Discussion Paper of 23 May 2012, produced by The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) & Shift Introduction
More information1. The Primacy of Human Rights
The Center for International Environmental Law welcomes and sincerely appreciates the work by the Chair-Rapporteur on the Draft Elements to address significant governance and accountability gaps with regards
More information분쟁과대테러과정에서의인권보호. The Seoul Declaration
분쟁과대테러과정에서의인권보호 Upholding Human Rights during Conflict and while Countering Terrorism" The Seoul Declaration The Seventh International Conference for National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection
More informationJOINT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE OFFICE, HOUSE OF COMMONS 7 MILLBANK, LONDON SW1P 3JA
CALL FOR EVIDENCE Business and Human Rights JOINT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE OFFICE, HOUSE OF COMMONS 7 MILLBANK, LONDON SW1P 3JA To: Dr Mark Egan, Commons Clerk of the Joint Committee on Human
More informationOHCHR Consultation: The Relevance of Human Rights Due Diligence to Determinations of Corporate Liability. Concept Note
OHCHR Consultation: The Relevance of Human Rights Due Diligence to Determinations of Corporate Liability Concept Note Palais des Nations, Room XXIII 5-6 October 2017 I. Introduction Ensuring access to
More informationA/HRC/WG.16/1/NGO/9. General Assembly. United Nations
United Nations General Assembly Distr.: General 24 June 2015 A/HRC/WG.16/1/NGO/9 English only Human Rights Council Open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business
More informationInquiry into the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill 2010
Inquiry into the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Bill 2010 Castan Centre for Human Rights Law, Monash University Submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee Prepared by Dr
More informationNETCARE LIMITED CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY POLICY NUMBER COR12 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PREPARED BY PREPARATION DATE JUNE 2014
NETCARE LIMITED CORPORATE GOVERNANCE POLICY POLICY NUMBER COR12 PREPARED BY APPROVED BY CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PREPARATION DATE JUNE 2014 ISSUE DATE FEBRUARY 2017 REVISION DATE FEBRUARY
More informationEconomic and Social Council
UNITED NATIONS E Economic and Social Council Distr. GENERAL E/CN.4/2000/62 18 January 2000 Original: ENGLISH COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Fifty-sixth session Item 11 (d) of the provisional agenda CIVIL AND
More informationProposal for Australia s role in a regional cooperative approach to the flow of asylum seekers into and within the Asia-Pacific region
Proposal for Australia s role in a regional cooperative approach to the flow of asylum seekers into and within the Asia-Pacific region Table of Contents Proposal for Australia s role in a regional cooperative
More informationEnsuring U.S. Businesses Respect Human Rights in Myanmar (Burma)
Ensuring U.S. Businesses Respect Human Rights in Myanmar (Burma) SCOPE In July 2012, Secretary of State Clinton announced the suspension of some longstanding economic sanctions on Myanmar (Burma). This
More informationA Guide to the UK s Bribery Act 2010 Martin Polaine. London Centre of International Law Practice. Anti-corruption Forum, 007/ /02/2015
A Guide to the UK s Bribery Act 2010 Martin Polaine London Centre of International Law Practice Anti-corruption Forum, 007/2015 16/02/2015 This paper is downloadable at: http://www.lcilp.org/anti-corruption-forum/
More informationEconomic and Social Council
United Nations Economic and Social Council Distr.: General 20 March 2015 English Original: Spanish Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Concluding observations on the fourth periodic report
More informationDEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS
DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTRUMENTS Dr.V.Ramaraj * Introduction International human rights instruments are treaties and other international documents relevant to international human rights
More informationSubmitted to the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Ecuador to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva
8 August 2017 Key suggestions for inclusion in the Draft Elements of the international legally binding instrument on transnational corporations and other business enterprises Developed by: Asia Pacific
More informationSeptember Press Release /SM/9256 SC/8059 Role of business in armed conflict can be crucial for good or ill
AI Index: POL 34/006/2004 Public Document Mr. Dzidek Kedzia Chief Research and Right to Development Branch AI Ref: UN 411/2004 29.09.2004 Submission by Amnesty International under Decision 2004/116 on
More informationBusiness and Human Rights
Business and Human Rights MBA/ Executive Module Chris Marsden 1. What do you need to know & understand about Human Rights? Awareness of business impact on human rights Why is this part of a company director
More informationConcept Paper on Facilitating Specification of the Duty to Protect
Concept Paper on Facilitating Specification of the Duty to Protect Prepared by John H. Knox for Special Representative John G. Ruggie * December 14, 2007 The duties of governments under international law
More informationPROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT
UNITED NATIONS A General Assembly Distr. GENERAL A/HRC/8/16 15 May 2008 Original: ENGLISH HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Eighth session Agenda item 3 PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF ALL HUMAN RIGHTS, CIVIL, POLITICAL,
More informationIOE-ANDI Submission to the 2013 Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights for Latin America and the Caribbean August 2013, Medellín Colombia
26 August 2013 IOE-ANDI Submission to the 2013 Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights for Latin America and the Caribbean 28-30 August 2013, Medellín Colombia The International Organisation of Employers
More informationWorking Paper. Human Rights Law Sources: UN Pronouncements on Extra-Territorial Obligations
Working Paper Human Rights Law Sources: UN Pronouncements on Extra-Territorial Obligations Concluding Observations General Comments and Recommendations Special Procedures UPR Recommendations November 2015
More informationBefore the Committee on Foreign Relations of the U.S. Senate July 23, 1998
Statement of David J. Scheffer Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues And Head of the U.S. Delegation to the U.N. Diplomatic Conference on the Establishment of a Permanent international Criminal Court
More informationTHE PROMOTION OF BANK S COMPLIANCE TO HUMAN RIGHTS
Concept Note dated 18 April 2013 THE PROMOTION OF BANK S COMPLIANCE TO HUMAN RIGHTS The Research Group aims to create a platform for ongoing dialogue and exchange of ideas and seeks to explore key themes,
More informationTopic 1: Introduction to International Human Rights
Topic 1: Introduction to International Human Rights Basic principles of public international law - IL = the system of rules that governs relations between states - In theory, IL is created between individual
More informationOECD-FAO Guidance for
International Standards OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS CONSIDERED IN THE OECD-FAO GUIDANCE FOR RESPONSIBLE AGRICULTURAL SUPPLY CHAINS INTERNATIONAL
More informationTRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Disclaimer: the negotiations between EU and Japan on Economic Partnership Agreement are not concluded yet, therefore the published texts should be considered provisional and not final. In particular, the
More informationGlobal Anti Bribery and Corruption Compliance Program Be transparent and keep it transparent
Global Anti Bribery and Corruption Compliance Program Be transparent and keep it transparent Page 1 of 13 Table of Contents 1 Why a Global Anti Bribery and Corruption Compliance Program?... 3 2 Our approach...
More informationThe Growing Relevance and Enforceability of Corporate Human Rights Responsibility
Northwestern Journal of International Human Rights Volume 6 Issue 2 Article 1 Spring 2008 The Growing Relevance and Enforceability of Corporate Human Rights Responsibility Follow this and additional works
More informationWidely Recognised Human Rights and Freedoms
Widely Recognised Human Rights and Freedoms The list that follows tries to encapsulate the principal guaranteed rights and freedoms. The list is cross-referenced to the relevant Articles in the ICCPR and
More informationSubmission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on its preparation of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights
Submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on its preparation of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights March 2014 Introduction Amnesty International a global movement of more
More informationConvention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
United Nations CEDAW/C/LBN/CO/3 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women Distr.: General 8 April 2008 English Original: French Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
More informationEnsuring protection European Union Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders
Ensuring protection European Union Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders I. PURPOSE 1. Support for human rights defenders is already a long-established element of the European Union's human rights external
More informationGeneral Recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on torture 1
General Recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on torture 1 (a) Countries that are not party to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional
More informationAnalytical assessment tool for national preventive mechanisms
United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Distr.: General 25 January 2016 Original: English CAT/OP/1/Rev.1 Subcommittee
More informationDirectors Duties Handbook
Introduction This handbook has been prepared for directors of private limited companies to provide them with a summary of their duties under the Companies Act 2006 (2006 Act). This guide should not be
More informationSummary of Report April 2007
Fostering a European Approach to Accountability for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and torture - Extraterritorial Jurisdiction and the European Union Summary of Report April 2007 There is
More informationTowards a proactive business and human rights regime
Towards a proactive business and human rights regime A Global Witness paper to Danish EU Presidency May 2012 Background Global Witness is a non-governmental organisation that for 17 years has run pioneering
More information7 September 2004 MLC/SB/am
International Chamber of Commerce The world business organization The Secretary General Dzidek Kedzia Chief, Research and Right to Development Branch Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights United
More informationREPORT FORM PROTOCOL OF 2014 TO THE FORCED LABOUR CONVENTION, 1930
Appl. 22. P.29 Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE REPORT FORM FOR THE PROTOCOL OF 2014 TO THE FORCED LABOUR CONVENTION, 1930 The present report form is for
More informationMADRID - BUENOS AIRES PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL JURISDICTION
MADRID - BUENOS AIRES PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL JURISDICTION Preamble In recent decades, Universal Jurisdiction has proved to be a necessary instrument for ensuring a full and completely satisfactory judicial
More information20 October International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) International Transport Workers Federation (ITF)
Joint Written Submission to the Third Meeting of the Open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights 20 October 2017
More informationTRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Disclaimer: The negotiations between the EU and Japan on the Economic Partnership Agreement (the EPA) have been finalised. In view of the Commission's transparency policy, we are hereby publishing the
More informationI. General Comments. Submitted by
ANNEX Special Procedures of the United Nations Human Rights Council 1 Comments on the Draft Environmental and Social Framework of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Submitted by Special Rapporteur
More informationSUBMISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
SUBMISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNING INPUTS TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL S REPORT ON BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE UN SYSTEM MARCH 2012 Background The
More information*This keynote speech of the Latin American Regional Forum was delivered originally in Spanish and aimed at addressing the local context.
First Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights for Latin America and the Caribbean Opening statement by Alexandra Guáqueta, member of the UN Working Group on business and human rights, 28 August 2013
More informationTHE MAASTRICHT GUIDELINES ON VIOLATIONS OF ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS
1 Introduction On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Limburg Principles on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (hereinafter 'the Limburg Principles'),
More informationThe corporation in global business:
The corporation in global business: Aspects of global governance Valentina Mastnak, Rafael Künzli Agenda Historical Perspective Impact of Globalization Globalization and the reaction from nation states
More informationViewpoint Civil Society Hearing Whose Partnership for Whose Development?: Corporate Accountability in the UN System beyond the Global Compact
Viewpoint Civil Society Hearing Whose Partnership for Whose Development?: Corporate Accountability in the UN System beyond the Global Compact 4 Jul 2007 Author(s): Peter Utting Source: Global Compact Civil
More informationUK Bribery Act: impact on companies and what to expect
UK Bribery Act: impact on companies and what to expect GADENS BRIEFING PAPER OCTOBER 2015 UK Bribery Act: impact on companies and what to expect 1. Introduction what to expect The UK Bribery Act 2010 (the
More informationADVANCE QUESTIONS TO AUSTRALIA
ADVANCE QUESTIONS TO AUSTRALIA CZECH REPUBLIC Since 1990, the UN Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) has found that in 17 cases (out of 50) Australia violated the ICCPR rights. Several cases concerned the immigration
More informationAnalysis of legal issues and information tips on how to respond critically
Additional resources Analysis of legal issues and information tips on how to respond critically Brief examples of how each of the criteria examined on pages xix xxiii of the Cambridge Legal Studies HSC
More informationKimberley N. Trapp* 1 The Inter-state Reading of Article The Use of Force against Terrorists: A Reply to Christian J. Tams
The European Journal of International Law Vol. 20 no. 4 EJIL 2010; all rights reserved... The Use of Force against Terrorists: A Reply to Christian J. Tams Kimberley N. Trapp* In his recent article The
More informationA/CONF.217/CRP.1. Draft of the Arms Trade Treaty. United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty New York, 2-27 July 2012
1 August 2012 Original: English United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty New York, 2-27 July 2012 (E) *1244896* Draft of the Arms Trade Treaty Submitted by the President of the Conference Preamble
More informationCODE OF CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES 2 April 2018 non-legislative PURPOSE All City of Adelaide (CoA) employees must comply with the provisions of this Code in carrying out their functions as public officials.
More informationSTATUTE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL
STATUTE OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA By Fausto Pocar President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia On 6 October 1992, amid accounts of widespread
More informationRedressing Violations of International Law: The Role of Non-state Actors in Relation to Education
Redressing Violations of International Law: The Role of Non-state Actors in Relation to Education London - 22 May 2013 Event Report On 22 May 2013 the British Institute of International and Comparative
More informationHereunder is a summary of the main findings and recommendations of the study.
Executive summary Legal study «Legal remedies in the face of human rights violations and environmental damage committed by subsidiaries of Swiss corporations, by François Membrez, 1 lawyer, Geneva 2012.
More informationRECOMMENDED PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Palais des Nations CH 1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland Telephone: +41.22.917 90 00 Fax: +41.22.917 90 08 www.ohchr.org RECOMMENDED PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING COMMENTARY RECOMMENDED
More informationORIGINAL ISSUE DATE. BGC LG RM July 27, 2011 January 16, 2018 January 16, 2018
DOCUMENT REFERENCE REVISION NUMBER TOTAL PAGES ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE REVISION DATE EFFECTIVE DATE 7 13 July 27, 2011 January 16, 2018 January 16, 2018 SCOPE: This Policy is applicable to every employee of
More informationFranchising (South Australia) Bill 2009
Advance for Mr Tony Piccolo MP South Australia Franchising (South Australia) Bill 09 A BILL FOR An Act to make provision for applying the Franchising Code of Conduct made under the Trade Practices Act
More informationHaving regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 16 thereof,
Opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor on the Proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of an Agreement between the European Union and Australia on the processing and transfer of Passenger
More informationConcluding observations on the report submitted by Senegal under article 29 (1) of the Convention*
United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance Distr.: General 18 April 2017 English Original: French Committee on Enforced Disappearances Concluding
More informationCRC/C/OPAC/ALB/CO/1. Convention on the Rights of the Child. United Nations
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child CRC/C/OPAC/ALB/CO/1 Distr.: General 5 October 2012 Original: English ADVANCE UNEDITED VERSION Committee on the Rights of the Child Sixty - first session
More informationInternational Labour Organization. Topic A: Human Rights in Regards to Multinational Corporations and other Business Entities
International Labour Organization Topic A: Human Rights in Regards to Multinational Corporations and other Business Entities There can be no peace without development, no development without peace, and
More informationConsideration of reports submitted by States parties under article 40 of the Covenant. Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee
United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Distr.: General 19 August 2011 Original: English CCPR/C/KAZ/CO/1 Human Rights Committee 102nd session Geneva, 11 29 July 2011 Consideration
More informationCHAPTER TWELVE TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
CHAPTER TWELVE TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SECTION A Introductory Provisions Article 12.1 Context and Objectives 1. The Parties recall the Agenda 21 of the United Nations Conference on Environment
More informationbackgrounder Canada s Shameful Secret Failure to ratify and promote ILO s core Conventions respecting fundamental rights at work
backgrounder Canada s Shameful Secret Failure to ratify and promote ILO s core Conventions respecting fundamental rights at work MARCH 2009 Canada s shameful secret Canada has a shameful secret when it
More informationSEMINAR ON GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES FOR THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS Seoul September 2004
UNITED NATIONS OFFICE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SEMINAR ON GOOD GOVERNANCE PRACTICES FOR THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS Seoul 15 16 September 2004 Jointly
More informationUNDERSTANDING CORPORATE COMPLICITY: EXTENDING THE NOTION BEYOND IRENE KHAN, SECRETARY-GENERAL, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
UNDERSTANDING CORPORATE COMPLICITY: EXTENDING THE NOTION BEYOND EXISTING LAWS (Public) IRENE KHAN, SECRETARY-GENERAL, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS HUMAN RIGHTS SEMINAR, LONDON, DEC 8, 2005. On April
More informationCOMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES. Proposal for a COUNCIL FRAMEWORK DECISION
EN EN EN COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Proposal for a Brussels, 25.3.2009 COM(2009) 136 final 2009/0050 (CNS) COUNCIL FRAMEWORK DECISION on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings,
More informationSubmission to the Universal Periodic review of Norway 6th UPR Session December 2009
Office of The High Commissioner for Human Rights UPR Unit uprsubmissions@ohchr.org Date: 20. April 2009 Your ref.: 2009/7255 Our ref.: P.O.Box 6706 St.Olavs plass NO-0130 Oslo Norway Telephone: +47 22
More informationFrom the Charter to Security Council resolution 1325
From the Charter to Security Council resolution 1325 The United Nations Charter not only committed its members to save succeeding generations of the scourge of war, it also unequivocally reaffirmed fundamental
More informationBRIEFING PAPER: RIGHT TO EFFECTIVE REMEDIES Beth Stephens 1
BRIEFING PAPER: RIGHT TO EFFECTIVE REMEDIES Beth Stephens 1 Introduction An international treaty on business and human rights must provide access to effective remedies for corporate violations of human
More informationBriefing paper on Namibia s. Prevention and Combating of Torture Bill. March 2016
Briefing paper on Namibia s Prevention and Combating of Torture Bill March 2016 1. The Redress Trust (REDRESS) 1 presents these comments on Namibia s Prevention and Combating of Torture Bill (the Bill)
More informationI. STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT AGAINST CORRUPTION, BRIBERY & EXTORTION
CITY DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY & GUIDELINES* (*All employees of CDL are required to read the full version of the CDL Anti-Corruption Policy & Guidelines, which is available on CDL s intranet,
More informationNicola Jägers* Documents relating to the work of the SRSG can be found at the special portal of the website
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Making Headway towards Real Corporate Accountability? Nicola Jägers* During the June 2011 session of the Human Rights Council, the United Nations Special
More informationWorking Groups Session 1: Human trafficking
1. Human trafficking: overview and legal frameworks Human trafficking can implicate many different human rights, including: rights against slavery and forced labour, the right to personal liberty and autonomy,
More informationTOURISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE
TOURISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS INITIATIVE GOAL To create a set of guidelines that will assist the tourism industry address human rights To use the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics in Tourism as an overarching guide.
More informationConvention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
UNITED NATIONS CAT Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment Distr. GENERAL CAT/C/CR/33/2 10 December 2004 Original: ENGLISH COMMITTEE AGAINST TORTURE Thirty-third
More informationINTERNATIONAL DECLARATION ON THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS
INTERNATIONAL DECLARATION ON THE PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS The following document aims at highlighting core principles related to the protection of journalists, taking into account the respective responsibilities
More information