1. Actuality of theme and aim of the Conference
Corporations worldwide are increasingly recognizing that the respect for Human Rights, as embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is an inescapable responsibility. This is due to various reasons, such as pressure from the media and NGOs, legal impositions, the launching of relevant international initiatives and the adoption of ethical values and social responsibility practices.
It is indisputable that a progressively larger number of corporations, national or transnational, operating in all sectors of activities, are seeking to increase their performance as far as Human Rights are concerned, by improving the conditions of the work place, putting an end to racial, religious and gender discrimination, eradicating child labour, avoiding situations of forced or compulsory labour, guaranteeing freedom of association, providing essential goods and services to those living in poverty, and by engaging with stakeholders and governments in order to promote Human Rights.
However, many other businesses are still oblivious of this reality. They are unaware that the respect for Human Rights is a very tangible responsibility; one not exclusive to big international corporations, but which assumes particular relevance in countries with low standards of respect for human dignity. The respect for Human Rights is a commitment required of all corporate organizations and involves all its activities – internal, external, national or international. It requires the safeguard of a broader dimension of rights and not merely the meeting of immediate needs.
In times of globalization and financial crisis, the impact that companies have on society is even more important. Its weight and influence is progressively more significant in the satisfaction of fundamental human and social necessities and in furthering the development of People and societies. According to UNCTAD data, of the 100 largest world economies, 51 are global corporations and only 49 are countries. Therefore, there is a rising call from society and from an increasing number of non-governmental organizations for business to fulfil roles usually performed by the States and to take on responsibilities that go beyond their commercial purpose. This call may acquire a special significance and relevance when, in a context of international crisis, corporations are faced with additional competitive pressures which may tempt them to weaken their standards on Human Rights.
On the other hand, there is often the “prejudice” that disregard for Human Rights only takes place in developing countries, while violations which continue to occur under more prosperous economical environments are frequently forgotten. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for corporations which respect Human Rights in their own countries to adopt questionable practises in other countries in which they operate.
Therefore, it is time to change; to call on all actors to rethink an effective, efficient, transparent and ethical response to the abuse of Human Rights that still thrives.
This context justifies a joint reflection of academics, managers, practitioners, civil society and policy makers, on the relationship between business and Human Rights. The present Conference aims to contribute to this reflection, by rethinking guidelines and encouraging ethical practices.
As referred by John Ruggie, SRSG: “There is no single silver bullet solution to the very complex business and human rights challenges. Instead, all social actors - States, businesses, and civil society - must learn to do many things differently. But those things must cohere and generate an interactive dynamic of cumulative progress”.
2. Topics to be considered
Topics proposed intend to cover a broad spectrum of issues, responding to diversified needs and targeting different levels of interest, from academia to business practitioners, from public institutions to non-profit organizations.
Therefore, contributions are encouraged on the following topics, but are not limited to them:
