I have recently distributed a memorandum entitled “A United Nations Proposal Defining Corporate Social Responsibility For Human Rights,” which discusses a report by a Special Representative to the U.N. Secretary-General. The report has broad implications for global business and particularly for companies operating on a global basis, in emerging markets, in underdeveloped countries, or in countries that lack a democratic system. The report, which will be considered in a June session of the U.N. Human Rights Council, proposes that corporations bear the “responsibility to respect human rights,” that the State has a “duty to protect” against human rights abuses by companies, and that both the State and businesses must provide more effective access to remedies for human rights violations. In the memorandum, we explain that the framework recommended to the U.N. could impose on businesses an array of expansive obligations requiring close attention by corporate management and boards. The memorandum sets forth the core principles which the U.N. Human Rights Council may endorse to guide corporate responsibilities for human rights and additionally considers their implications for directors.

The memorandum is available here.