|
Environmental interest and awareness in 2002 have been stimulated by
preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. There have
also been a number of other interesting developments which may have far-reaching
impacts. One of these is the greater willingness among disparate groups
to work together on a common cause. The United Nations Secretary-General
Kofi Annan has supported the establishment of the Global Compact (see
box), which aims to build synergy between the private sector and three
United Nations organizations - UNEP, the International Labour Organization
(ILO) and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN
1999). For the first time, principles that embrace protection of human
rights, sound labour laws and environmental responsibility are addressed
by these offices in a single international agreement.
| Principles of the Global Compact |
|
Human Rights
- Principle 1: support and respect the protection of international
human rights; and
- Principle 2: ensure that corporations are not complicit in human
rights abuses.
Labour
- Principle 3: freedom of association and the effective recognition
of the right to collective bargaining;
- Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory
labour;
- Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and
- Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of
employment and occupation.
Environment
- Principle 7: support a precautionary approach to environmental
challenges;
- Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental
responsibility; and
- Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally
friendly technologies.
|
| Source: UN 1999 |
|
