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23 Aug 2015

"Time for Action: Business and Human Rights in Greater China"

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In August 2014, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre launched its first regional briefing on the Greater China region: “Time for action: Business & human rights in Greater China”.

Through rapid economic growth, Greater China has made massive progress in realising many social and economic rights, and lifting millions out of poverty. However, there remains a huge gap between international standards on business and human rights such as the UN Guiding Principles, and the actual human rights practices of companies (whether Chinese, or headquartered overseas), as well as the government in this area.

This briefing surveys alleged abuses in areas such as labour rights, environmental pollution, freedom of expression and privacy. It analyses the ways in which companies are responding to these allegations – with a 77% response rate from overseas firms operating in or sourcing from Greater China, and a 50% response rate from firms headquartered in Greater China. It makes recommendations to companies and the government for rapid and effective action to embed human rights in business models, benefitting business, workers and local communities.

Press release:              English     Chinese

Executive summary:    English     Chinese

Full briefing:                 English     Chinese