Contending with the Coronavirus - What Should we Expect of Business During Global Health Emergencies?

In her opening statement last week to the United Nations Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet stressed that the unfolding coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak constituted “a serious threat to the rights to life and to health of...

A Sustainable Maritime Industry Needs to get Human Rights Onboard

Anti-corruption and climate change has been high on the shipping agenda. However, the human rights challenges for crew, in ship building, ship repair and not least ship-recycling are many and complex. The global maritime industry should build on...

Linking Climate and Human Rights Throughout the Built Environment Lifecycle

Decisions about what we build, and how, define our future. And we are on a trajectory for explosive growth. Global building stocks are projected to double by 2060. By then, 70% of the world’s population will be city-based.

This comes at a time when...

The Best of 2019

Companies’ Role in Promoting Social Protectionism in the Coming Trade Wars

This article originally published in Ethical Corporation.

As we move into the third decade of the 21st century, the rules-based free trade system is under significant threat. Last month, the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), the...

Reflections on Realising a Next Generation of Trade

As part of events to mark its 10th anniversary during 2019, IHRB hosted a major event on the future of international trade in an era of rising populism and protectionism.

Held at the Museum of London Docklands on 3rd December, the event brought...

Labour Rights in the Hospitality Sector in Qatar: A Moment of Opportunity

Hospitality represents a significant and growing sector in Qatar, with a concentration of major international hotel brands and high-end properties. New hotel openings will intensify in the run up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup which is expected to...

Labor, Global Supply Chains, and the Garment Industry in South Asia - Bangladesh after Rana Plaza

For those of us who care for human rights and labor rights April 24, 2013 will always be known as the deadliest garment factory accident in history.

More than 1,125 people died and 2,000 were injured when Rana Plaza, an eight story building in the...

Realising Workers’ Rights in Qatar – A Conversation

Freedom of association and choosing to belong or not belong to a trade union are integral parts of a free society and are fundamental rights. Trade unions can play a vital role in improving health and safety, addressing grievances, and promoting...

Protecting Wages of Migrant Workers in the Gulf

Last Wednesday Engineers Against Poverty published its latest report on Protecting the Wages of Migrant Construction Workers in countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Scrutiny over the plight of migrant workers in the region continues, and...

Rights and Wrongs - Questioning Free Expression in the Workplace

How can companies negotiate their way around deeply divisive political issues where their employees, contractors, suppliers, and associates may have strong convictions and opinions? Can companies keep politics out of their offices? Can they restrain...

The Start of Modern Corporate Accountability Efforts - In Memory of Joel Filártiga

It is an unfortunate reality that when human rights defenders speak against their governments, they place themselves at risk of harm. Still, some choose to speak, and in doing so they change the course of history.

Dr Joel Filártiga was one such...

Human Rights and the Built Environment - A Call for Action

Two-thirds of humanity are projected to live in urban areas by 2050. If we are to make progress in reducing global inequality and in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals, a rights-based approach to the built environment is critical. 

IHRB...

Rights and Wrongs - Where Does the Buck Stop?

Last week, Bank of America announced that it would no longer lend to companies that run the controversial centres where the United States Government is detaining refugees and migrants who have entered the country without proper documentation  (such...

Shramik Sanjal - Findings from a Survey of Nepalese Migrant Workers

The third annual Global Forum for Responsible Recruitment took place this week in Bangkok, Thailand. Among the participants are a group of migrant workers from Nepal who work to assist fellow migrant workers, advocate for their rights, and ensure...

Statement by Sharan Burrow to the Global Forum for Responsible Recruitment

Dear friends,

The ITUC is interested in the work of the Global Forum for Responsible Recruitment and welcomes the continued focus on fair recruitment of migrant workers. Indeed, the gaps left by inadequate labour and migration regulation and...

Business Responsibilities Increasingly on UN Human Rights Council’s Agenda

The 41st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council got underway in Geneva last week with a full plate of urgent issues to address. Ongoing conflicts from Syria to Venezuela are on the agenda alongside worrying global trends like...

The ILO at 100 - Looking Back, Moving Ahead

The commemoration of the International Labour Organization’s 100th anniversary during 2019 is an opportunity to take stock of progress in the world of work and recommit to bridging the divides that remain.

We should feel pride in our achievements....

Collective Action Needed to Defend the Defenders

Companies that take their responsibility to respect human rights seriously understand the crucial role human rights defenders play in campaigning to make society more transparent, inclusive, and based on the rule of law.

Some companies have begun...

The Court of Arbitration for Sport: Where Do Human Rights Stand?

This commentary was originally published on the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, which IHRB helped to found in 2018.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) enjoys a high standing as the supreme dispute settlement body in the world of...