The next phase of the campaign is to roll out the UN Norms by beginning to use them in practice.

The UN Human Rights Norms for Business were adopted last August at the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. Drawing upon existing internationally recognized standards of human rights, the Norms set out in a comprehensive way the key human rights responsibilities of companies. In doing so, they create a powerful tool for advocacy but at the same time provide a useful checklist for those companies keen to improve their human rights performance. Some companies have already showed willingness to “road test” the application of the UN Norms during their business operations.

Rights and Accountability in Development (RAID) and Amnesty International together with ESCR-Net through the Corporate Accountability Discussion Group, launched a campaign in support of the UN Norms, in concert with other corporate accountability groups and coalitions.

The objective of the first phase of the campaign was to ensure that the Commission on Human Rights refrained from any rushed judgment or consideration of the Norms, thereby allowing the Norms to be kept in play after this session. A Statement of Support was endorsed by nearly 200 NGOs, trade unions, businesses, and 175 individuals from around the world, and was delivered during the 60th Session of the Commission (April 2004). Due to this strong endorsement – together with the critical push of NGOs present in Geneva – the Norms made it through the Commission. Many thanks to all the organizations and individuals who endorsed the Statement of Support.

The next phase of the campaign is to roll out the UN Norms by beginning to use them in practice – for groups to be able to document their own cases as well as contribute toward the strengthening of the Norms by applying them.

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