Worried about free-market expansion trampling on human rights, especially in developing countries, Annan said he was spurred to act by the disturbances at the World Trade Organization conference in Seattle. Some of the multinational corporations, such as Nike, have been criticized for abuses in Asian factories. Opponents say it's too little too late. They will say publicly in front of a global audience that they are for rights, but they also knew that there is no enforcement. But the U.N. believes big business can have more influence than its own members in shaping the lives of billions of people.
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But the secretary-general counters that the era of globalization is here to stay. This document contains copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. CorpWatch is making this article available in our efforts to advance the understanding of corporate accountability, human rights, labor rights, social and environmental justice issues. We believe that this constitutes a 'fair use' of the copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law. If you wish to use this copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.