Embedding human rights in business practice II

This document explores the practical application of the Global Compact’s human rights principles using case studies. It offers detailed examples of what businesses from all over the world are doing to implement human rights within their own operations and spheres of influence, and how they are doing it.

The document contains twenty case studies about the experiences of the following companies: ABB, Achilles, Anglogold Ashanti, AREVA, Asocolflores, Barloworld, BASF, Eskom, Ipek Kagit, Ketchum, MAS Holdings, Newmont, NIKE, Novartis, Sasol, Shell, Starbucks, Titan, Volkswagen and Westpac. It explores the following questions and issues

• What is the business case for adopting a proactive approach in dealing with human rights issues?
• How can companies formulate comprehensive human rights policies,and what are the benefits of doing so?
• What are the boundaries of a company ’s human rights responsibilities?
• What are the success factors for integration of human rights concerns into business practices?
• What methodologies are available to decide if and how to operate in a country with weak governance and/or serious human rights concerns?
• What are the risks, challenges and opportunities in engaging in multi-stakeholder dialogue?
• What are examples of strategies for more effectively tackling human rights issues in the supply chain?

The cases address a wide range of human rights (civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights) helping to demonstrate a variety of the ways in which human rights issues can be relevant for business. The case studies cover issues such as HIV/AIDS, non-discrimination and diversity, malnutrition, human trafficking, indigenous communities, working conditions, occupational health and safety, and poverty.