Thursday, May 11, 2017

Why Businesses Should Care About Human Rights

With the rise of wars, abuse, and other problems afflicting the marginalized, more and more people and businesses are voicing out the importance of recognizing human rights.  While some people are indifferent when it comes to talks about human rights, it is everyone’s duty to fight for them. 

Image Source: parliament.scot

Human rights are considered the heart of human development.  They are also integral in fighting inequality and discrimination.  So why should the rest of the world—including businesses—make them a priority in their drives for corporate and personal social responsibility?


When businesses are aware of the repercussions of dismissing human rights, they can be actively involved in preventing and addressing violations.  In previous decades, the workplace has been a direct site of inequality and discrimination, where most human rights abuses occur.  Businesses that violate the human rights of their workforce are susceptible to failure. 


The business sector should be a strong, influential force that promotes inclusive growth by building and implementing models that are good for the environment and for social development.  This is why more and more companies show stability and economic security by getting rid of discrimination, inequality, and lack of accountability in the workplace.


Some companies can be exemplars of equality and prosperity, but others, especially the biggest ones, can also suspend development.  But when companies collaborate with its people, the government, and the society, they contribute directly to economic and social development, which in turn directly impact their productivity and success. 

Image Source: generationon.org

Robert Bassam is a business leader and philanthropist. Learn more about the causes he supports by visiting this page.

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