BSR Insight | U.S. Supreme Court Weighs Corporate Liability and Human Rights
The U.S. Supreme Court last week heard oral arguments in _Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Shell_, a case involving the question of corporate liability for human rights abuses. Justices focused on whether international law requires global companies to be held liable in U.S. courts. A decision is expected in June. Still, the long-term solution to accountability likely does not lie in providing legal remedies. Instead, according to Christine Bader, BSR’s human rights advisor, companies must adopt proactive human rights policies and systems that prevent abuses from occurring in the first place. Several companies already have committed to respecting human rights in this fashion; many of them now are working to implement solutions in operating environments globally. These solutions are difficult and complex, but this is precisely where long-term change will occur. Long after the Supreme Court weighs in, companies with robust human rights approaches will continue to have a positive impact in the communities where they operate.
About the Author(s)
Peter Nestor, Manager, Advisory Services
With a strong background in international law, journalism, and labor rights, Peter works with our human rights team in the ICT, extractives, and consumer products industries, developing human rights management systems, impact assessments, and responsible labor initiatives... Read more →
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