A civil society group has spoken out on the importance of a relationshipbetween business and human rights as John Ruggie, Special Representative of the Secretary-Generalon human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprisesconsiders his final report. Theprocess towards the formation and adoption of a human rights framework applicableto companies has been slow and controversial.
There is a worry that the final report will not go farenough to help those most vulnerable. Additionalrecommendations have been suggested to ensure a firm union and understanding betweenbusiness and human rights these include developing international legal instrumentationand visiting countries to ensure rights are being upheld.
There is a call for States to uphold their duty to protectand companies to meet their responsibility to respect so victims can apply theirrights to effectively remedy violations and advance in the protection of human rightsin relation to business activity.
This statement has been signed by 55 organisations, includingCESR to ensure the advancement of the global business and human rights agenda.