CEO activism and other positive business initiatives to protect civic freedoms
The main elements of a safe and enabling environment for civil society organizations (CSOs) and human rights defenders (HRDs) are the respect for basic freedoms, strong compliance with the rule of law, removal of all obstacles for registration and operation, end to all forms of impunity, and free access to remedy and redress mechanisms. All these are the same elements that are conducive for healthy environments in which to conduct business and investments. The fates of CSOs, HRDs, and companies are closely intertwined.
Human rights, labour rights and environmental defenders, journalists, lawyers, and anti-corruption campaigners are key agents of change, and they contribute greatly to safeguarding human rights and the rule of law. As such, both companies and defenders have a shared interest in the full respect of freedoms of expression, association and assembly, characterised by non-discrimination, transparent and accountable government, and freedom from corruption.
However, the operating context for CSOs and HRDs has become, and continues to become increasingly restrictive and dangerous in many countries. These countries include those in which companies operate and invest. More and more companies understand that they can have a powerful voice in the protection of civic freedoms, especially where abuses are taking place linked to their industry and/or operations. Below are some of these recent examples of emerging good practices and drivers of such actions.
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UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression says democratic countries need to support cos. in pushing back against authoritarian control
Author: DW Akademie (Germany)
"UN Rapporteur Kaye: We must support those who push back against authoritarian regimes", 13 Dec 2018...
UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders' global survey highlights role of cos. in attacks in several countries
Author: Michel Forst, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders (Switzerland)
"World report on the situation of human rights defenders", 17 Dec 2017...
- Related in-depth areas: CEO activism and other positive business initiatives to protect civic freedoms Latest news on human rights defenders Technology and Human Rights: Digital Freedom
- Related companies: Compañia de Minas Buenaventura Formosa Plastics Jiew Kang Jue Pattana Co. Ltd. Minera Yanacocha (joint venture Newmont, Sumitomo & Compañía de Minas Buenaventura) Newmont Sumitomo Group
Author: Gestión (Perú)
“Ministerio de Trabajo reconoció buenas prácticas laborales de 37 empresas” - 11 de diciembre de 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos
Author: Anglo American, adidas, Unilever, ABN-AMRO, Investor Alliance for Human Rights, Leber Jeweller, Domini, Primark
“Apoyando las libertades cívicas, las personas defensoras de los derechos humanos y el respeto por el estado de derecho” -10 de diciembre de 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos
- This is a response from the following companies: ABN Amro adidas Anglo American Associated British Foods Leber Jeweler Primark (part of Associated British Foods) Unilever
Author: ComnicaRSE
“La sustentabilidad en Unilever luego de la salida de Paul Polman”- 05 de diciembre de 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos Últimas noticias
- Related companies: Unilever
Author: La Vanguardia
“Las empresas se unen al Día Internacional de la Eliminación de la Violencia contra la Mujer con diversos actos”- 23 de noviembre de 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos
- Related companies: El Corte Inglés FCC Grupo Eulen ISS
US businesses have vested interest in fighting rising global authoritarianism — foreign policy must reflect that
Author: Amy Lehr, Center for Strategic and International Studies, in The Hill (USA)
"Fighting for human rights makes both moral and business sense", 10 October 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: CEO activism and other positive business initiatives to protect civic freedoms
- Related companies: BMW Daimler
Author: La Silla Vacía
“Amazon en Puerto Tejada”- 3 de noviembre de 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos
- Related companies: Amazon.com
Author: ISA InterColombia
“Un relato de confianza arhuaca” – 1 noviembre de 2018...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos
A decision to make – and what really matters
Author: Joe Kaeser, Siemens
... The statement by the Attorney General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was widely criticized and rightfully so. There must be a reaction to the issue at hand. But what should the response of the CEO of a global company be? From my point of view, I...
