On International Human Rights Defenders’ Day
International human rights defenders’ day, which we observe today, is a moment of sobering reflection. Peaceful, non-violent human rights defenders are being prosecuted, convicted, and jailed in some cases, and intimidated, tortured, and sometimes...
09 December 2015 | Commentary
Commentary by Salil Tripathi, Senior Advisor, Global Issues, IHRB
What Should Companies do when States Offer Prime Land on a Platter?
This op-Ed was originally published on TheGuardian.com.
Companies investing in land in Africa and elsewhere need guidelines to ensure the human rights and dignity of local communities are protected
During a recent visit to Kampala, Uganda, we...
06 May 2012 | Commentary
Commentary by Wambui Kimathi Salil Tripathi, Senior Advisor, Global Issues, IHRB
Conflict no excuse for business to act irresponsibly
As violence in Libya continues, tens of thousands of people of different nationalities, many of them migrant workers from countries ranging from China to India, Ethiopia to Nigeria, await ferries that can take them to safety across the...
15 March 2011 | Commentary
Commentary by Mary Robinson, Chair, The Elders; Patron, IHRB
International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers
Last week in Geneva, nearly 50 global private security firms came together to sign an International Code of Conduct (ICoC) with the objective of strengthening respect for human rights and humanitarian law within their operations. In addition to...
24 November 2010 | Commentary
Commentary by Nils Rosemann, Human Security and Business Desk, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
Have the Voluntary Principles Realised Their Full Potential?
Extractive industries have little choice but to operate where they find resources. As a result, they may find themselves in conflict zones, facing human rights abuses taking place in their area of operations. Many have argued that since these abuses...
17 March 2010 | Commentary
Commentary by Salil Tripathi, Senior Advisor, Global Issues, IHRB
The Voluntary Principles at 10
As the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights plenary convenes in London this week, a pivotal agenda awaits participants that will frame the issues and decisions which must be made if the Voluntary Principles (VPs) are to fulfill their...
17 March 2010 | Commentary
Commentary by Bennett Freeman
Red Flags - Risks of Liability for Companies Operating in High Risk Zones
This op-Ed was originally published on TheGuardian.com.
With the web of international law growing denser, companies as well as political and military leaders are becoming liable for human rights abuses
When the Rome statute of the international...
28 May 2008 | Commentary
Commentary by Salil Tripathi, Senior Advisor, Global Issues, IHRB
Five Years On - Waves of Progress Demonstrate the Tide has Turned in Colombia
On June 16th 2011, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights. The Guiding Principles were unprecedented on many levels, including by reaffirming and clarifying state duties to protect...
16 June 2016 | Commentary
Commentary by Luis Fernando de Angulo, Executive Director, CREER; International Advisory Council, IHRB