Businesses must respect defenders’ rights
Human rights defenders face verbal and physical threats, harassment, and attacks as civic space is closed by authoritarian regimes around the world. Their situation has worsened with the Covid-19 pandemic. Swedwatch, the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre and Amfori hosted a webinar on the role of business in assessing and addressing risks to human rights and environmental defenders.
Defenders
Swedwatch calls for immediate end to export finance for fossil fuels
Swedwatch and a consortium of civil society organisations have called on European states to make a genuine commitment to tackling the climate crisis by immediately ending all financial support to exports benefiting fossil fuel industries.
Fossil fuels
Bridgestone Corporation must investigate pollution claims
In a new report Swedwatch calls on Bridgestone Corporation, one of the world’s largest tyre companies, and its indirect subsidiary Firestone Liberia Inc to investigate serious environmental pollution in the vicinity of its rubber processing plant in Liberia.
Natural rubber
Our vision
Swedwatch’s vision is a world in which global economic systems are just, transparent and sustainable.
Human rights and the environment are protected and respected and businesses contribute to sustainable
development and inclusive growth within the means of the planet.
Our mission
Swedwatch’s mission is to empower rights holders and to promote responsible business practices
and inclusive growth. We do this by highlighting how people and the planet are impacted by company activities
and by building bridges for change across stakeholder groups.
High-risk and conflict areas
In areas where there is war or conflict, or where the state is weak, there is a higher risk of human rights violations. Companies active in such areas need to know and act responsibly on these risks.
Vulnerable groups
Some groups, for example children, indigenous peoples or migrant workers run a higher risk than others of being adversely affected by companies’ activities. Whoever they are, companies have a duty to respect their special rights.
Climate and environment
Climate and environment are closely linked to human rights. Companies have a responsibility to know how they affect the climate and the environment, and to make sure that they do not contribute to environmental degradation and climate change
Community rights
Forced displacement in connection with new land-related projects is common and in breach with several human rights. People who depend on family farming might end up losing their homes and incomes when forced to move.
Public procurement
Swedish municipalities, county councils and government authorities procure goods worth more than 63 billion euros annually. A large portion are manufactured or grown in countries where there is a high risk of negative impacts on human rights and the environment.
Labour rights
There is a high risk of employees’ rights being abused in global supply chains. Guaranteeing good working conditions is a substantial and important part of companies’ responsibilities in terms of respecting human rights.