Business Case for the Human Rights Principles
"Social responsibility is a matter of hardheaded business logic. It’s about performance and profits, and attracting the best people to work for you."
John Browne, Chief Executive, BP
How does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights relate to business? * Many human rights listed in the UDHR are directly relevant to business and concern issues which many companies routinely address in their day-to-day operations. These include the labour-related rights, freedom from discrimination, the right to health, the right to privacy, to mention but a few. * States have a duty to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of their citizens and of people living in their territories. However, it was understood by the Member States of the United Nations when adopting the UDHR that achieving universal enjoyment of the rights would require immense efforts by all, including business. States therefore included in the UDHR a call on "every individual and organ of society" to strive to promote respect for the rights included in the UDHR and "to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance." * The UDHR also makes it clear that everyone – and this is considered to include business – have duties to the communities with regard to human rights
How can business benefit from promoting and respecting human rights?
Business increasingly needs a stable international environment in which to operate. Many companies have realized the benefits of operating in countries governed by the rule of law and respect for human rights. In addition, companies who promote and respect human rights may enjoy a number of commercial and other benefits. They include: * Improved stakeholder relations * Improved employee recruitment, retention, and motivation * A more secure license to operate * Increased security