The idea of human rights is as simple as it is powerful: that people have a right to be treated with dignity.
Every individual is entitled to enjoy human rights without discrimination, whatever their nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status may be. These rights are all interrelated, interdependent, and indivisible.
While Governments have the duty to protect individuals against human rights abuses by third parties, businesses are increasingly recognising their legal, moral, and commercial need to respect human rights. Today, businesses are subject to closer scrutiny of their impacts on people and the planet. Companies that focus on respecting human rights — and cultivate positive relationships with their stakeholders — can help ensure their business’ continued growth and social license to operate.
We call on everyone, individuals and companies, NGO’s and Government agencies, to respect and support internationally proclaimed human rights, to ensure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses. We ask you to reflect on and embrace the poignant words of Angela Y Davis, who said, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
