Introduction

The ten years in which the United Nations Global Compact has been in existence have been watershed years with respect to business and human rights. Never before has as much attention been paid to the many ways that businesses impact human rights conditions, and it is safe to say that the Global Compact is one of the main reasons why this is so. Specifically, more companies have pledged their support for human rights than ever before, and the Compact is perhaps the single greatest catalyst for these commitments. In addition, the Compact has reminded businesses and stakeholders that human rights principles are indeed universal, and not merely the product of Western or wealthy nations. Finally, the Compact has provided a unique and essential platform for dialogue, enabling business, government, civil society and trade unions to discuss, debate and create progress.

At the same time, the link between business and human rights remains unclear for many. At the policy level, there are questions about the relationship between public and private responsibilities, as well as whether and how well national accountability systems fit with globalized business activities. And at a practical level, many business people continue to grapple with the precise meaning of human rights as they relate to daily commercial activities. This chapter traces the development of human rights as a business matter; the impact of the Global Compact, the Special Representative's mandate; practical applications of human rights by business; and, finally, a look ahead at what the future may hold.