The United Nations is an organization that was
first established in 1945 with a main goal of promoting international peace and
security. It is made up of fifty-one countries, all of whom are working towards
the same goal of promoting a better life for living. Along with the
establishment of this organization came the establishment of ten principles there
were developed so companies will operate in a manner that values human rights,
labour, environment, and anti-corruption.
Human
Rights
Principle
1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally
proclaimed human rights; and
Principle
2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
The
human rights sector of the principles outlines the fact that businesses should
only operate in a way that supports the human rights of their employees. Al
businesses have the potential to impact human rights in both positive and
negative ways. Ensuring a business positively supports and respects human
rights, also means the business can operate in a much more stable business
environment. In order for this to happen not only does the business itself need
to avoid abusing human rights, they also are obligated to avoid the complicity
of other businesses that could affect the reputation of their own.
Labour
Principle
3: Businesses should uphold the 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.
The four principles
involved in the labour sector of The UN global compact’s ten principles all
ensure that the labour practices of a business should be both ethical and
legal. In making this happen the business must properly recognize the work
accomplished by their employees, as well as collectively bargain rewards when
appropriate. These principles are also
put into place to ensure that all labour is completed voluntarily, and does not
involve compulsory labour, child labour or any type of discrimination.
Environment
Principle
7: Businesses should 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.
The
purpose of the environmental sector principles is to ensure that all businesses
act in ways that are aware of environmental challenges. And that they take initiative
to ensure that they develop products in an environmentally friendly way as well
as promoting and demonstrating responsibility in creating a more
environmentally society. Some practices include, avoiding damage to ecosystems,
avoiding excess pollution, and limiting the production of waste.
Anti-Corruption
Principle
10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including
extortion and bribery.
This principle was
the last to be added, in 2004 after the Compact Leaders’ Summit had announced
that a principle against anti-corruption should be added. Corruption in the
business world occurs in many different situations including bribery in a way
that allows one to use their power for personal gain only. Not only does this
principle deal with avoiding acts of corruption, it also assists in developing
programs and policies to prevent future occurrences of corruption.
Article: http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/index.shtml
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