Companies urged to make a human rights commitment
Realizing Rights and the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre have joined together to encourage more companies to adopt human rights policies, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Over the coming months, Mary Robinson, founder and President of Realizing Rights and Chair of the Resource Centre’s Advisory Network, will be writing to the CEOs of major companies asking whether their firms have a human rights policy statement and encouraging them to adopt one if they do not. As a part of the campaign – launched on August 22 -company human rights policy statements will be added to the running list on its resource website.
Ethical trading guidance for retailers
The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) has launched new guidance for retailers on its website on how to trade ethically. As well as providing information on how retailers can put ethical trade into practice, it allows free access to two new DVDs for retailers and suppliers, entitled “Ethical trade: the business case”. ETI is an alliance of companies, trade unions, charities and campaigning organisations that work together to improve working conditions in global supply chains.
OFT opens consultation on irresponsible lending
The UK Office of Fair Trading launched a public consultation on August 1 as part of its wider project looking at irresponsible lending in UK consumer credit markets. The consultation follows major changes to the Consumer Credit Act and will involve engagement with businesses, consumer groups and other stakeholders. One of the key outcomes of the project is expected to be clear guidance on lending behaviours and practices which the OFT considers to be irresponsible. The study will consider all forms of consumer credit lending which the OFT licences and all participants in the market, including lenders, brokers and other intermediaries.
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