Human rights: it is your business. The case for corporate engagement

This paper examines a rising tide of expectations faced by business from a range of stakeholders on the issue of business and human rights. The authors summarise these expectations and, in the context of greater public and media scrutiny address the impact of business on society. They also describe evolving good practice and how the corporate response can be managed effectively and efficiently.

The paper highlights how the debate on boundaries of corporate responsibility continues to evolve and in a time of increasing global competitive pressure it is particularly timely to revisit the business case for companies to take the issue of human rights seriously.

The document recommends that by acting on human rights, companies can:

• safeguard reputation and brand image
• gain competitive advantage
• improve recruitment, retention and staff loyalty
• foster greater productivity
• secure and maintain a licence to operate