Why responsible business and human rights are not mutually exclusive goals

By Red Godfrey-Sagoo , Director of Inclusive Economies

Expansion without inclusivity – exploitation hiding in plain sight.

The United Nations Declaration of Human Rights states that all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights. If we accept this statement, we must also believe in inclusive economic growth – expansion that offers productive employment and decent work for all as a route to dignity and human rights. However, if we believe in inclusive economic growth, we must question whether the estimated 17.3 million people trapped in forced labour across the global private sector are living free or with dignity.?

Forced labour touches all parts of the private economy. Most of the adults who experience forced labour are in services, manufacturing, construction, agriculture and domestic work – a workforce within local and global supply chains caught in the cross hairs of economic growth which is far from inclusive.?

As the incoming Director of the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s inclusive economies work, I have witnessed first-hand the impact of exploitation and violations of human rights. I have also seen how victims of modern slavery are desperate to become functioning members of society through gainful employment as a pathway to independence.? This has informed my belief that economic growth and upholding human rights are not mutually exclusive goals. Responsible business growth, achieved by honestly supporting communities and workers, must become central in the manufacture and production of everything we use and consume.?

Less opacity, more transparency – a key step forward through the Workforce Disclosure Initiative.

I am therefore delighted to welcome the Workforce Disclosure Initiative (WDI) into our global mission. As one of the world’s leading workforce and human rights corporate disclosure platforms, this important addition to our inclusive economies work underscores our commitment to fostering equitable access to decent work for all.??????

The ‘social’ element of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues focuses on the link between business accountability and human rights. For years, investors have expressed frustration at the lack of comparable corporate workforce data, and the WDI is making progress towards closing this gap. As an initiative backed by over 50 institutional investors with over $9 trillion in assets under management, and with nearly 170 of the world's largest companies voluntarily disclosing information on their workforce, the data has made great strides in improving transparency.??

The WDI gives us and the businesses, government and civil society organisations (CSOs) we work with, greater insights into the industries, economies, and organisations where improvements are most needed when it comes to ESG issues. To put it simply, if we can’t see where the problems are, we cannot help to fix them. The WDI provides the clarity we need – because transparency across the rapidly-changing business landscape is essential if we are to build truly free, fair and informed societies. At the Foundation, our inclusive economies work focuses on the premise that responsible business is only possible when people and communities are equal partners, and our planet and basic human rights are safeguarded. By focusing on the social (S) in ESG frameworks we can foster equitable, participatory, and sustainable business practices.?

Our mission takes a multi-channel, co-creative approach through global programmes, convenings, journalism and training initiatives, alongside free legal support for CSOs. Our aim is to empower individuals, communities, and organisations to engage with pressing issues. Issues like human rights in the workplace, evolving environmental, social and governance reporting regulations, the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, and the need for a ‘just transition’ that protects workers as economies become greener. We have an exciting opportunity to make the insights that the WDI provides an essential part of conversations about these issues. We are looking forward to using the Foundation’s networks to build on the WDI’s already impressive impact.??

The debate on decent work is gaining new momentum.

Following drastic changes to working patterns during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, debate on decent work is high on the agenda for governments, businesses, trade unions and civil society worldwide. This debate cannot wait, and it must not be at the cost of people and their communities and our planet.?

The uncomfortable changes that will be needed to shift to a Net Zero economy and the growth of technologies are also having profound implications for the workforce, as old industries wither and new ones take root. By promoting corporate transparency and continuing to influence emerging reporting standards, I know the WDI can play a key role in helping to build sustainable, inclusive economies.?

A world where human rights are upheld, workers are empowered and our planet is safeguarded is not just possible, it is essential. With the addition of the WDI into our fold, we gain more momentum towards achieving this goal. Moving forwards, this new strength will increase our ability to propose new ideas, provoke more positive conversations and turn more abstract aims into concrete achievements in the race towards better work for all. I, for one, cannot wait.???

Learn more about the WDI and the Foundation’s inclusive economies work.?