British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert Gibson on Thursday said they will raise with Bangladesh authorities their concerns should a UK company have problems implementing its respect for human rights due to any incompatibility between local regulations and international law.
“We will monitor how UK companies observe their commitments in Bangladesh. We will also raise with Bangladesh authorities our concerns should a UK company have problems implementing its respect for human rights due to any incompatibility between local regulations and international law,” he said while commenting on the action plan launched on Wednesday.
The British envoy also said that the action plan launched by the UK government demonstrates the UK’s commitment to ensuring UK companies remain world leaders in protecting the human rights of their employees. Country Representative of Department for International Development (DFID), Bangladesh Sarah Cooke on Thursday said protecting the human rights of workers is at the heart of efforts to resolve the problems laid bare by the collapse of the Rana Plaza building earlier this year.
“When our Minister of State Alan Duncan visited in June, he was clear that UK companies must assume responsibility for their products throughout their supply chain,” she said welcoming the launch of the UK’s action plan on business and human rights. Cooke also said the business and human rights action plan will support UK companies in making this a reality.
On September 4, the UK launched its action plan on business and human rights, becoming the first country to set out guidance to companies on integrating human rights into their operations. UK’s Foreign Secretary William Hague and Business Secretary Vince Cable hosted a launch event in London with guests from businesses and civil society organisations.
Guest speakers also included Marcela Manubens, Global VP for Social Impact, Unilever, and Professor John Ruggie, the former UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on Business and Human Rights and author of the UN Guiding Principles. Implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights makes clear the UK Government’s commitment to protect human rights and sets out the clear expectations for UK companies in this area.
The plan is the UK’s response to the UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights, a globally-recognised framework that outlines the roles of states and businesses in protecting human rights in business situations. It also builds on recent changes to the UK’s Companies Act, with new regulations coming into force on 1 October, which will require large companies to report non-financial information including disclosures on human rights where such information is necessary for an understanding of the business.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said, “Doing business with respect for human rights matters. It’s good for people, for prosperity and for the UK. We believe firmly that the promotion of business and respect for human rights should go hand in hand. That’s why the UK is showing leadership in helping companies to understand it and pushing other states to follow suit. “We now call on business to work with us to implement the action plan and I hope other countries across the world will follow our lead,” he added.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said, “A stronger economy depends on investors, employees and the wider public having trust and confidence in the way companies conduct themselves both at home and abroad. “We know that British businesses already recognise the importance of protecting human rights, but that they need clear expectations and support from Government in order to consistently factor this into their operations.
“Today’s action plan will provide British businesses with the tools to conduct responsible business in the UK, in overseas operations and within their supply chains,” he added. Peter Frankental, Economic Relations Programme Director on behalf of Amnesty International UK, said, “Amnesty International welcomes the UK Government’s Action Plan on Business and Human Rights as a significant step towards applying international standards to companies operating from the UK.
“This not only sends strong signals to all parts of the UK government to address business impacts on human rights, but also sets an example to other governments,” he added. Marcela Manubens, Global VP for Social Impact, Unilever said, “Unilever is committed to the highest standards of corporate behaviour in the UK and internationally. “We welcome the Government’s action in producing this initiative on business and human rights. It is important for industry that the Government communicates clearly its expectations of companies and the support it can give,” she added. -UNB
