Reports About Human Rights

Catalyzing Social Investment in China

Adam Lane, Manager, Advisory Services; Brooke Avory, Manager, Partnership Development

In this paper, we analyze the various forces driving social investment in China. We define social investment as the contribution of resources by business, foundations, or nonprofits toward the creation of social, environmental, and economic development (also termed strategic philanthropy or community investment). As China rapidly changes, the expectations for, and implementation of, social investment programs are changing quickly as well. Read more →

Posted: November 1, 2011 | Topics: Community Engagement & Development, Economic, Social & Cultural Rights, Human Rights, Stakeholder Relations | Download (PDF)

Good Practices for Complying with Licensors’ Social and Environmental Requirements

This guide serves as a starting point for licensee executives and professionals to understand how they can meet licensors’ requirements related to social and environmental compliance. It also provides guidance on how licensees can improve working conditions within their direct and contract manufacturing operations and supply chains. Read more →

Posted: October 30, 2011 | Topics: Consumer Products, Environment, Human Rights, Reporting & Communications, Supply Chain | Download (PDF)

Applying the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to the ICT Industry | Version 1.0

Dunstan Allison Hope, Managing Director, Advisory Services; Farid Baddache, Director, Europe

In June 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Council approved new Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. As a result, more clarity exists today than ever before on governments’ duty to protect human rights and the business responsibility to respect human rights. Read more →

Posted: August 16, 2011 | Topics: Human Rights, Information & Communications Technology, Supply Chain | Download (PDF)

Step Up: Improving Recruitment of Migrant Workers in Indonesia

This report released by BSR’s Migration Linkages initiative examines the recruitment of migrant workers from Indonesia to Malaysia, highlighting key risks and opportunities for both workers and business. The research is part of the initiatives’ focus on identifying and promoting ethical recruitment practices among business and uncovered significant variability in the recruitment process—variability that can contribute to less-than-ideal outcomes for workers. The report also articulates some of the wholesale changes required of both government and business to address these issues and improve the recruitment system in Indonesia, laying the groundwork for Migration Linkages’ guidance for business on ethical recruitment to follow later in 2011. Read more →

Posted: July 20, 2011 | Topics: Economic, Social & Cultural Rights, Human Rights, Supply Chain | Download (PDF)

Women and Sustainability | Employing Women Responsibly: The Emerging Market Context

Jennifer Schappert, Manager, Partnership Development

With post-secondary education and formal workforce participation rates approaching 50 percent, women employees may be just what multinational companies need to overcome labor shortages in emerging markets. At the same time, fair and equal formal-sector employment represents the most powerful contribution to gender equality that a company can provide. Read more →

Posted: March 28, 2011 | Topics: Human Rights, Strategy & Integration, Women & Sustainability | Download (PDF)