"Business can and should ally with those defending human rights", 1 Feb 2017

Global businesses and grassroots human rights activists may seem like strange bedfellows.  But as attacks on basic democratic freedoms and the rule of law intensify around the world, they may have more shared values and interests than one might think....[B]usinesses are driven by...bottom line...But...many business leaders are coming around to the idea...that long-term success...is linked to...transparency, certainty, stability [a]nd a social license to operate... [B]usiness should see human rights defenders [HRDs] as priceless allies....They are the canaries in the coalmines, pointing to when governance failures become real financial, legal, and reputational risks to business [and are] witnesses to corporate abuse...[Business] has a[n] ability to...defend space for civil society through...leverage, leadership, and partnerships...[Businesses] can use the leverage provided by access, personal relationships and market share to push back on authoritarian impulses...[P]rogressive businesses also need to show leadership... For the financial survival of civil society, seeking support from businesses might be an option—if it is on equal footing...The leadership, leverage and solidarity shown by companies who see support to civic freedoms and HRDs as part of core business will pay long-term dividends [refers to adidas, FMO].