Published 12-08-09
Submitted by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
As the world marks International Human Rights Day this 10 December, major companies are being urged to make public commitments to respect human rights. Over 240 companies worldwide now have a policy statement on their commitment to human rights, among them Anglo American, Cerrejón, Codelco, GE, HSBC, Mitsubishi, Nokia and Statoil.
Realizing Rights and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre are continuing their efforts to encourage more companies to adopt similar policies. Building on their successful initiative in 2008 to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the two organizations are drawing international attention to the growing number of companies that have taken this important step and urging more to take leadership in this important area.
Over the months leading up to the 10th anniversary of the UN Global Compact in June 2010, Mary Robinson, founder and President of Realizing Rights, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and member of the UN Global Compact Board is writing to CEOs from major companies around the world, including companies that have committed themselves to the Global Compact principles, asking whether their firm has 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:
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.
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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