Key Documents
Global Compact Governance Framework (September 6, 2005)
The Global Compact Office called the release of its new governance framework, "a constitutional milestone in the evolution of the Global Compact." However, like the old governance framework, the new document provides no specific means to hold members up to standards of corporate social responsibility. According to the new governance framework, "the initiative is not designed to monitor or measure participants' performance."
Report on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Related Business Enterprises with Regard to Human Rights (February 15, 2005)
This United Nations report provides an overview of the existing corporate social responsibility initiatives and standards. It also discusses the UN Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with regard to Human Rights, and makes recommendations on how to advance the dialogue between states, transnational corporations and other stakeholders.
The Ten Principles of the Global Compact (June 24, 2004)
In 2000, Secretary General Kofi Annan launched The Global Compact – an international initiative aimed at promoting "responsible corporate citizenship." The Compact asks participating companies to embrace ten principles in the areas of human rights, labor standards, environment and anti-corruption. While the norms appear to be an important step towards corporate accountability, the lack of an enforceable legal framework often means that they are little more than a public relations cover for global wrongdoers.
UN Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations with Regard to Human Rights (August 2003)
The UN Sub-commission on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights adopted norms stating that "transnational corporations ..., as organs of society, are also responsible for promoting and securing ... human rights," including the right to development. While those norms signify an important step towards codification of corporate accountability, they do not include binding monitoring mechanisms. Also see Amnesty International's booklet on the UN Norms.
2006
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights – Interim Report of the Special Representative of the Secretary General (February 2006)
This report of the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) John Ruggie, addresses the question of human rights and transnational corporations. Ruggie writes that these companies possess "global reach and capacity," acting at a pace governments cannot match, making corporate involvement essential in curbing human rights abuses. Ruggie insists that progress has occurred in this area, yet only 80 corporations of the ‘Fortune 500' group even responded to the SRSG's survey on human rights practices.
2005
Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (December 19, 2005)
This report by the Commission on Human Rights was compiled in response to a resolution concerning initiatives in "human rights and the extractive industry." The consultation brought together senior company executives, experts in particular sectors and NGO participants. Presenting the different viewpoints of these groups, the report discusses human rights abuses, existing standards and initiatives of corporate responsibility.
UN Human Rights Commission Resolution on Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises (April 15, 2005)
By adopting this resolution, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights decided to appoint a special representative to outline global human rights standards for corporate responsibility and accountability. While many NGOs welcomed the decision, three countries, the United States, Australia and South Africa, voted against the resolution, accusing it of having an "anti-business agenda."
2004
The Global Compact's Next Stage of Development (November 9, 2004)
An official UN statement about the future of the Global Compact shows that the UN is increasingly giving in to corporate demands. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan stresses that the Global Compact should "ensure financial sustainability with a business model that generates funds from governments, participants and foundations." The focus on the development of a "new business model" further waters down the integrity of the Compact and its ten "best practice" principles. (UN Global Compact)
Barricades and Boardrooms: A Contemporary History of the Corporate Accountability Movement (June 7, 2004)
This paper identifies the limitations of "voluntary corporate initiatives" like the UN Global Compact. Since many economists believe that transnational corporations undermine world development, UN involvement in such initiatives is problematic. (United Nations Research Institute for Social Development)
2003
Deputy Secretary-General Replies to NGO Letter (June 3, 2003)
UN Deputy Secretary-General Louise Fréchette replied to the heads of four civil society organizations who had raised concerns over the UN Global Compact. Mr. Fréchette encouraged the NGOs to continue participating in the Compact, promising to address the concerns at the next Advisory Council. (UN Global Compact)
Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises with Regard to Human Rights (May 30, 2003)
A sub-committee of UN Human Rights Commission has established a set of human rights norms and guidelines for transnational corporations. The Committee calls on the UN and other international bodies to enforce the standards via regular monitoring. (UN Commission on Human Rights)
Egyptian Companies Declare Support for the Global Compact (January 8, 2003)
A press release from the UN Global Compact website claims Egypt as the latest country to become enamored with the UN project on corporate responsibility. (UN Global Compact)
Business leaders grapple with HIV/AIDS in Republic of Congo (January 7, 2003)
Congolese business leaders and UNICONGO are raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the rights of workers living with the disease. (UNDP)
