International treaties, guidelines and instruments on human rights and business
There is a range of internationally recognized treaties, guidelines and instruments on Human Rights and Business. These are the most important ones that have been recognized by many countries.
We've listed links to them for you below and they are also mentioned in the CNV factsheets on the sector Agreements on Responsible Business Conduct on this website.
Of course, risk analysis can first be used for your own insight and policy. They also play an increasingly important role in relation to clients and business partners. For example, when your company wants to deliver to the government.
What are we talking about? To resume, CNV Internationaal listed 10 major labour issues. These also serve as a tool for assessing the value of the many initiatives.
Article 23 and 24 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights speak of working conditions.
The most important rights of workers (including trade union rights) have been stipulated in international conventions and recommandations of the International Labour Organisation, the tripartite UN organisation, negociated by governments and national workers's and employers' organisations.
KPMG investigated in which sectors the risks of corruption, exploitation, environmental pollution or labor rights violations are greatest.
The Dutch Social Economic Council SER in 2014 recommanded Dutch sectors and companies to initiate agreements (or covenants) on international Corporate Social Responsibility ICSR (also called IRBC International Responsible Business Conduct) together with the Government and civil society organisations.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development OESO made guidelines. Based on these guidelines, multinational companies are expected to conduct appropriate and transparent research into what happens within their supply chain.
Since 2011 often used: The UN Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework or Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights (by John Ruggie, therefore also called "Ruggie Principles".
CNV published a practical manual to the Ruggie principles for Business and human rights, especially for trade union leaders within companies and works councils. You can also order a paper copy at internationaal@cnv.nl.
labels and certificates
If you start monitoring human rights and labour rights within your company's supply chain, these are the guiding guidelines, labels and certificates:
- SA8000
- GRI
- Global Compact
- ISO26000
instruments
The Frame of Reference for corporate social responsibility (CSR) the MVO Platform expresses a clear overview of what companies should do. CNV Internationaal is a member of the MVO Platform.
The CSR Risk Check tool is aimed at companies that are exporting to, importing from or have production facilities in foreign countries. After a short test, you will know which international CSR risks are related to your business activities, and what are your options for managing these risks.