BSR Insight Articles About Human Rights

Europe’s CSR Public Policies on the Rise

CSR policies in Europe are growing, according to the second working paper to come out of the Impact Project, a multistakeholder initiative that aims to measure the impacts of CSR in Europe. The “Analysis of the National and EU Policies Supporting Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact” paper suggests a burgeoning relationship between CSR and government policies. The paper cites an increase in the number of policies designed to engage business in addressing international issues including human rights, climate change and sustainable development. Other examples of the spike in CSR: * Endorsement through rhetoric * Subsidies and tax incentives * Collaboration with business and civil society organizations * New accounting and reporting standards The authors did not find much evidence of interest in assessment and indicators of CSR performance; they noted it was unclear whether this reflects a general view that government should not micromanage CSR, or a view that governments have a greater interest in the symbolic power of policy. Read more →

Posted: March 27, 2012 | Topics: Human Rights, Stakeholder Relations

U.S. Supreme Court Weighs Corporate Liability and Human Rights

Peter Nestor, Manager, Advisory Services

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. Read more →

Posted: March 6, 2012 | Topics: Human Rights

CSR in Saudi Arabia: Q&A With BSR Partner Nailah Attar

Cammie Erickson, Manager, Global Partnership Development

With support from a multiyear grant from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, BSR has worked to introduce CSR strategies to companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Through this initiative, we partnered with Nailah Attar, a Saudi Arabian businesswoman and activist, to expand the CSR offerings of her ECO Consulting business, which serves both Saudi and international companies operating in the country. Read more →

Posted: February 10, 2012 | Topics: Economic Development, Governance & Accountability, Human Rights

Using Water-Risk Information for Greater Impact

Ryan Flaherty, Manager, Advisory Services

Business continuity depends on access to clean water, a resource that is in higher demand as scarcity increases, quality declines, and distribution remains unequal around the world. As more companies recognize their dependence on clean water, they are turning to different tools to assess risks and provide context for their direct operations and supply chains. Read more →

Posted: February 7, 2012 | Topics: Community Engagement & Development, Ecosystem Services, Environment, Food, Beverage & Agriculture, Human Rights, Land Use & Biodiversity, Strategy & Integration, Water

Should Corporations Be Liable for Overseas Human Rights Abuses?

Peter Nestor, Manager, Advisory Services

The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to decide whether corporations can be held liable for human rights abuses committed overseas in what will certainly be a landmark case.  Read more →

Posted: January 17, 2012 | Topics: Human Rights