The transformative nature of respect
Is there a risk that implementation of the UN Guiding Principles is being seen as a series of technocratic fixes, instead of an opportunity to establish new behaviours, innovate and solve problems? The Executive Director of the Global Business Initiative on Human Rights, Mark Hodge, identifies three key aspects of corporate respect for human rights in practice that require more attention from all stakeholders... 1. Implementing corporate respect for human rights requires companies to bring about widespread, complex and sustained change across the organisation. 2. Corporate respect for human rights involves a radical shift in a company’s relationship with the individuals and groups it impacts and interacts with. 3. Respect for human rights regularly involves problem-solving. The UNGPs lead companies to tackle entrenched and endemic human rights abuses and development challenges, including by catalysing peers and governments to take action...