In an increasingly globalized world economy, the decisions and actions of corporations impact directly on governmental policies and on the enjoyment of human rights. As their operations come under scrutiny around the world, consumers, shareholders and the communities with whom they interact increasingly demand that corporations play a positive role in the promotion and protection of human rights.
All companies have a direct responsibility to respect human rights in their own operations.
Their employees and other people with whom they work are entitled to rights such as freedom from discrimination, the right to life and security, freedom from slavery, freedom of association, including the right to form trade unions, and fair working conditions. Particular care needs to be taken by companies to ensure that their security arrangements do not lead to human rights abuses. Those companies making arms or other military or security equipment also need to help ensure that their products are not used to violate human rights. Violations of human rights may contribute to civil instability and to uncertainty in the investment climate, but even where this is not the case, companies should not be silent witnesses. Multinational companies have a responsibility to use their influence to try to stop violations of human rights by governments or armed political groups in the countries in which they operate.