Business and human rights
Ireland as a modern and progressive country takes its responsibilities as part of the global community and the importance of human rights to how we do business, seriously.
The UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs) were launched in 2011 and provide a clear framework to guide companies and other stakeholders. To support that Ireland committed to implementing the UNGPs through the National Plan on Business and Human Rights 2017-2020 which sets out a series of commitments to begin this implementation process. Work continues on legislation at a European level that will impact the business community in this area.
Many employers have been taking the necessary steps to address some of the challenges in this area throughout their business activities and relationships. Many organisations have engaged in diverse, formal and informal initiatives to support people, communities and the local environment and economy embedding human rights considerations into their business operations. Ibec have seen such employer commitment broaden year on year in the area of equality, diversity, CSR, anti-discrimination, and health and safety to ensure that the necessary supports and protections are in place for stakeholders.
Responsible business behaviour is crucial for building trust towards the market economy, trade openness and globalisation. The focus on these areas refers to economically successful business practices that involve a responsible approach towards the treatment of people and the societies and environment in which organisations operate. Responsible action by the private sector on human rights is good for business and communities; it helps create jobs, customers and a sense of fairness; it contributes to a market’s sustainability and therefore its potential to generate long-term growth. What is required is a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between business and its key stakeholders that enables us to address critical local and international challenges and to ensure the future wellbeing of the Irish economy, society and environment by increasing productivity, fostering innovation and reducing business costs, while maintaining and respecting human rights.
A number of employers are engaged in excellent human rights practices, although some may not necessarily term them “human rights” because it is part of their ethos and good responsible business practice. Organisations will vary in the degree of risk they face regarding human rights abuse but the expectation is that all organisations will have due regard for the UNGP’s and human rights in their operations. With the right information, guidance and preparation organisations can meet their business goals while supporting and maintaining human rights. Ireland has a strong history and body of legislation governing the full spectrum of employment rights, corporate governance and responsible business practices.
Recently the Implementation Group for the National Plan on Business and Human Rights chaired by Breege O’Donoghue, published guidance for businesses operating in Ireland. The guidance can now be downloaded as a booklet. The resources listed can be accessed through the Department of Foreign Affairs website.
To promote the new guidance, on 27 May, the Department of Foreign Affairs joined the Trinity Centre for Social Innovation and Business in the Community Ireland to deliver a practical webinar for business, moderated by Mairead Keigher (Shift), with Tesco Ireland, Diageo and Fyffes.
Watch: What Irish Businesses Need to Know About Human Rights: Part II: Real-world business experiences
What Irish Businesses Need to Know About Human Rights: Part II: Real-world business experiences
