International Corporate Accountability Roundtable (ICAR), along with over 30 partner organizations, released joint statements today calling on governments, businesses, and investors to respond to Covid-19 related challenges consistent with their environmental and human rights obligations and responsibilities... “So far too many governments and far too many businesses, the focus has been meeting the wants of the already protected rather than the needs of the most vulnerable,” said ICAR Executive Director, Alison Friedman. “That has to change—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the only way to build back sustainably..."

... The statement to governments calls on them to meet their human rights obligations during Covid-19... The statement to the business community outlines how companies can uphold their human rights responsibilities... The statement to the investor community urges investors to call upon businesses to craft their Covid-19 response plans with the aforementioned goals in mind, and special consideration for employee health, safety, and economic security.

... While the current situation requires immediate action, the statements also drive home the need for forward looking plans to transition to a more just economy and social order... This involves... promoting forms of business governance that center on workers and communities, committing to a social purpose that considers the wellbeing of all stakeholders and maximizes social good, and adhering to international human rights principles.