Human Rights Solutions Forum Tackles Business Dilemmas

ISTANBUL - A web-based Solutions Forum to address and discuss human rights dilemmas for multi-national corporations was launched during the Global Compact Annual Local Network Forum in Istanbul. The Human Rights Solutions Forum is produced jointly by the UN Global Compact, Maplecroft and is funded by the GE Foundation, the philanthropic organization of General Electric Company.

The project was initiated in December 2008 at the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Forum investigates human rights issues affecting business operations and supply chains in emerging markets, weak governance zones or in geographies where there are substantial human rights challenges. It aims to enhance business understanding of human rights issues within their sphere of influence and to promote best practices.

The online forum launches with a set of 30 human rights themes, including child labour, non-discrimination, privacy and access to water. Stakeholders are asked to comment on the significance of each theme as well as suggest additional dilemmas for business.

A more detailed set of dilemmas explores the actions of business through “real world” case studies, discusses the different rights that are impacted and invites the viewpoints and solutions of different stakeholders. Additional dilemmas and solutions will be included over time, building on the work of other human rights initiatives, best practice, tools and case studies.

“The Solutions Forum provides business with a unique opportunity to improve its understanding of human rights and participate in a real-time dialogue on solutions with other stakeholders” said Ursula Wynhoven, Head, Policy and Legal at the Global Compact. “The Global Compact is delighted to be part of this initiative.”

Dr Kevin Franklin, Director of Research at Maplecroft said: “We are pleased to be piloting the Forum and presenting the first more detailed dilemma as part of the Global Compact Annual Local Networks Forum meetings in Istanbul.”

The forum can be accessed at human-rights.unglobalcompact.org or www.maplecroft.com

For more information contact: info@maplecroft.com

Source: Maplecroft

Jason McGeown, Communications Manager, Maplecroft, Tel: +44-(0)1225-420000, Email: Jason.mcgeown at maplecroft.com