The Secretary-General asked world business to support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights within their sphere of influence. Corporate leadership in human rights is good for the community and for business. The benefits of responsible engagement merit being spelled out. And there is the long-term benefit of a more stable and peaceful society in which investments can prosper.
Companies interact with all levels of governing bodies in the countries where they operate.
Within this context, they have the right and the responsibility to express their views on matters which affect their operations, their employees, their customers and the communities of which they are part. The Secretary-General asked world business to make sure they are not complicit in human rights abuses. An effective human rights policy will help companies avoid being implicated in human rights violations. All such agreements should be made public and transparent. Of course, if a corporation directly engages in acts of discrimination or undermines the political or judicial system through bribery or intimidation, the conclusion is clear.