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Article

1 Aug 2008

Author:
Carlos Lopez, International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)

Business, human rights and accountability

Every day we learn more about abuses allegedly committed by corporations or other business enterprises around the world…Occasionally, victims have the possibility to obtain redress, but as yet in many cases the abuse is not investigated and the alleged perpetrators enjoy impunity…The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) works to strengthen the rule of law in order to improve the protection and realization of human rights…[C]urrently in too many countries national law is inadequate to protect rights against  possible corporate abuse, and effective judicial remedies are lacking…There is a vital need for the clarification, reaffirmation and development of principles and norms on corporate accountability…In this regard the ICJ believes that the exchange of knowledge and experiences by practitioners and experts in different jurisdictions in a manner which allows for cross-pollination and harmonization is very important…Perhaps the most important objective in the medium term would be the adoption by the international community within the United Nations of a set of common principles that should guide States and other actors’ efforts to protect human rights in the context of business activities…