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The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), a global think tank, has published its annual Top 10 list of business and human rights issues for 2016.
This year’s list includes issues newer to the business and human rights agenda, including the implications for privacy of big data and the responsibilities of all involved in organising mega-sporting events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
The list also highlights long-standing challenges that continue to require greater leadership and joint action by business and other actors, including the urgent need to combat discrimination in all forms, the precarious situation of human rights defenders and the plight of those trapped in forced and bonded labour.
Now in its seventh year, the top ten list is selected by IHRB’s expert staff, informed by an online poll conducted by IHRB and three local polls conducted by IHRB’s regional centres for responsible business in Colombia, Myanmar and Kenya. This year’s top 10 list for the first time includes additional trends from these countries, which provides contrasts in global perspectives and priorities.
IHRB’s executive director, John Morrison, commented: “IHRB’s annual Top 10 list is an important tool for raising awareness and urging action amongst governments, business and others responsible for ensuring economic activities do not come at the expense of fundamental rights.
“The need to protect human rights defenders who call for accountability when corporate actions lead to impacts on people is one of the ten priority issues we see for the year ahead.
“This year’s list also highlights the importance of ensuring responsible mega-sporting events. A lot will happen in 2016 – a new FIFA President will be elected, the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics will be held and a handover process for Tokyo 2020 will begin.
These spectacles can encompass the full spectrum of business and human rights impacts, but there is not yet adequate commitment to respecting human rights by organisers, host cities, sponsors and the other actors involved in their delivery.”
Further information: www.ihrb.org
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