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.
Related stories and components
India: Global Network Initiative raises concerns about proposed amendments to cyber legislation
Author: Global Network Initiative (GNI)
"GNI Submission on Draft Amendments to Intermediary Guidelines in India", 31 Jan 2019...
Thailand: 89 groups urge gov't to oppose new cases filed by Thammakaset against human rights defenders
Author: 89 International and National Organisations
"Open Letter re New Lawsuits Brought by Thammakaset Company Limited Against Human Rights Defenders," 14 February 2019...
- Related stories: Betagro & Thammakaset lawsuits (re labour exploitation in Thailand)
- Related in-depth areas: CEO activism and other positive business initiatives to protect civic freedoms Latest Legal News Latest news on human rights defenders
- Related companies: Thammakaset 2
Author: Página 12
“La igualdad puede ser buen negocio” - 10 de febrero de 2019...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos
- Related companies: Avon Gillette (part of Procter & Gamble) Movistar (part of Telefónica) Procter & Gamble Telefónica
Author: Madridiario
“El Corte Inglés y Cruz Roja acuerdan más integración laboral de víctimas de violencia de género” – 31 de enero de 2019...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos
- Related companies: El Corte Inglés
Cos. could attract millennials by championing sustainable & responsible investments
Author: Pauline Skypala, Financial Times (USA)f
"‘Responsible’ fund managers must do better to impress millennials", 28 Jan 2019 ...
- Related in-depth areas: CEO activism and other positive business initiatives to protect civic freedoms Latest news on human rights defenders
- Related companies: BlackRock Goldman Sachs
Author: Portal Minero
Schneider Electric: “Hay que entender que la diversidad en las empresas no es un concepto, sino una realidad que se debe vivir todos los días” – 25 de enero de 2019...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos
- Related companies: Schneider Electric
Author: ComunicaRSE
“Nueva Alianza empresaria por los derechos LGBTI fue lanzada en el Foro Davos” – 23 de enero de 2019...
- Related in-depth areas: Pasos positivos
- Related companies: Accenture Deutsche Bank EY (Ernst & Young) MasterCard Omnicom Salesforce.com
Cambodia: Businesses & unions send a joint letter to EU Trade Commissioner to express their concerns of potential EBA's withdrawal
Author: Chanthol Prak, Reuters
"Cambodia businesses, unions ask EU not to impose trade sanctions", 21 January 2019...
- Related stories: EU to launch withdrawal process of trade preferences in Cambodia over rights concerns & warns Myanmar of potential similar action
- Related in-depth areas: CEO activism and other positive business initiatives to protect civic freedoms
- Related companies: American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia
Businesses cannot thrive without civic freedoms & accountable governance
Author: Bennet Freeman, Mauricio Lazala & Michael Ineichen in World Economic Forum's Agenda
"Why businesses are nothing without strong human rights", 16 Jan 2019...
- Related in-depth areas: CEO activism and other positive business initiatives to protect civic freedoms Civil society participation Latest Legal News Latest news on human rights defenders
- Related companies: adidas Airbnb Alphabet Apple BMW Cisco Systems Daimler Google (part of Alphabet) Microsoft Nike Salesforce.com Siemens Unilever
Author: BBC Mundo
La exitosa empresa que solo contrata a empleados autistas- 04 de enero de 2019...
- Related in-depth areas: Derechos laborales Pasos positivos
