So much is happening in the world of business that few
have time to think about, let alone address any human rights issues.Most
organisations take note of and act on human rights issues only if they (or
their supply chain arrangements) are directly affected.
Shell South Africa once owned prime land for a service
station development in the notorious District 6, Cape Town. Then Chairman Ken
Geeling did the right thing and took the decision (unpopular internally) to
sell off the land and not proceed with any development - long before any public
pressure arose.
The subject is huge, some of the areas being working
conditions, epidemics, child labour, discrimination in many guises, rights to
land, vote, education, water, privacy, freedom of religious practice ..... and
policy options range from acknowledge/comply - to respect - protect -
improve/remedy - widely campaign
Most still work on the basis of keeping their nose
clean, basing decisions on minimising damage to reputation, minimising the
impact on spending or profits - seeing these as thresholds not opportunities.
So they might when pressure builds, change a supplier, manufacturer,
distributor. Very few contemplate withdrawing from a market, calling for
sanctions, campaigning to rectify bad laws, putting their heads above the
parapet.
Ultimately the driver for significant, leading action
is based on courageous leadership based on sound virtues, heading up oranisations
wanting to be not only the best in the world but also the best for
the world. Firms who operate from a higher purpose perspective may embrace
human rights issues - Proctor & Gamble have initiatives to provide
communities with fresh drinking water, provide education for girls .....
(Photo of Malala Yousafzai)
