- August 22, 2008 - A growing number of major companies "“ including Anglo American, BP, Codelco, GE, HSBC and Mitsubishi "“ have made a commitment to human rights as part of their corporate responsibility initiatives. Over half of the UK's FTSE 100 companies have done so. But the vast majority of companies around the world have not taken this important first step towards ensuring that their operations respect human rights.

Realizing Rights and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre are joining together to encourage more companies to adopt human rights policies, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights during 2008.

Over the coming months, Mary Robinson, founder and President of Realizing Rights and Chair of the Resource Centre's Advisory Network, will be writing to the CEOs of major companies asking whether their firms have a human rights policy statement and encouraging them to adopt one if they do not.

Company human rights policy statements will be added to the running list on the Resource Centre website:

All Fortune Global 500 companies that do not yet feature on the list will be contacted, along with other leading companies from every region.

In the days leading up to 10 December 2008, the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Realizing Rights and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre will draw international attention to the companies that have taken this important step.

As Mary Robinson says in her letter to the CEOs:

"Over the past ten years I have seen more and more business leaders make the connection between human rights and the success of their companies. Never before has the private sector had such influence and therefore so much opportunity to contribute to human rights.

As one business leader said: 'Not having a stand on human rights is not an option "“ it is necessary for risk management as well as reputational purposes.'

It is also the right thing to do. Human rights are internationally-recognised standards. They provide a framework for companies to avoid harm and ensure they treat people fairly and respectfully, wherever they operate."

Read the full letter: Click here

Any company with a human rights policy statement wishing to be added to the list should notify Annabel Short at the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre: short@business-humanrights.org.

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

The Resource Centre is an independent non-profit that promotes greater awareness and informed debate about human rights issues relating to business. Our website is updated hourly with news and reports about companies’ social and environmental impacts worldwide, including alleged abuses, positive steps, and company responses to concerns raised about their conduct. The site has sections on over 4000 companies. It also includes special resources such as all materials issued by the UN Special Representative on business & human rights; a list of companies with human rights policies; profiles of lawsuits against companies. Mary Robinson is Chair of our International Advisory Network. Visit the website for further details and to sign up for free Weekly Updates. See website for contact details of our New York office and team members in Hong Kong, India, South Africa, UK, Ukraine, USA

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