Human Rights

Human Rights

The concept of human rights sates that, Every person, no matter who they live or where they are, is entitled to basic dignity, needs and freedoms. Human rights are one of the true global code of conduct on the ethical treatment of people, spanning all cultures and political ideologies. The authorities that relate to human rights are the International law, the International Bill of human rights and elaborated in more than 80 international instruments from the Universal declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) to other conventions for protecting the rights of racial minorities, migrants and women. Rights covered under human rights are civil, political, economic, and cultural rights- protecting essential needs such as the right to food and housing, and freedoms like the freedom of speech and expression. Businesses and governments, are the actors having an equal responsibility to protect human rights. As much as the role of companies on this matter was debatable, a global consensus was reached when the UN ratified its significant role in 2011. This is because companies have the potential to promote and violate human rights of its consumers, members, workers and residents as a whole. This can be done as businesses create jobs, produce food, provide healthcare and unlock livelihoods. But they also have the potential to discriminate against different groups, invade privacy, displace vulnerable populations, pollute drinking water, and employ workers under exploitive conditions.

The guiding principles laid down by UN in 2011 aims at preventing human rights abuses by private sector enterprises by following three principles drawn out of a unanimous endorsement. These are:

States have a duty to prevent human rights violation by businesses. This should be done by making effective policies, regulations, legislations, incentives and enforcements.

Businesses have a responsibility to refrain from violating human rights and respecting them by putting in place good due diligence to effectively identify and manage adverse impacts.

Individuals must have access to remedy. Companies and governments should provide for grievance redressal mechanisms such as effective operational-level grievance mechanisms and other judicial and non-judicial remedy systems.

We at WCL ensure that your business is compliant to all the above matters and shall consult and assist at all steps in order to meet the requirements of the International and domestic guidelines for smooth functioning of the business. Our services shall not be restricted to any one sector, with our associates being well versed with not just the human rights enshrined under the Indian Constitution but also the International ones.