Increasing the effectiveness of the international human rights regime to deal with adverse effects of globalisation is a challenge of historic dimensions. Indeed, the social sustainability of globalisation, of which the transnational corporation is the most visible embodiment, may hang in the balance.

In 2005, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (since replaced by the Human Rights Council) asked the UN secretary-general to appoint a special representative on the subject of business and human rights. The mandate was two-fold: to conduct a conceptual and factual ground-clearing, identifying and clarifying current international standards and practices as well as emerging trends; and to submit views and recommendations for consideration by the council and other stakeholders on how most effectively to close protection gaps. The secretary-general appointed me to this post on 28 July 2005.

Fast-moving target

Upcoming Ethical Corporation conferences & events:
How to manage Social & Environmental Risk in the mining, oil & gas, steel and other heavy industries
London, 22-23 March 2010 The Responsible Business Summit 2010
Novotel West Hotel, London, 4th – 5th May 2010 The Inaugural Ethical Corporation Awards
Novotel West Hotel, London, Evening of 4th May 2010
The Awards will be held at the Responsible Summit -
on the evening of the first day
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