Corporate accountability and human rights abuses

Is it only States which have a responsibility to uphold human rights? What about companies – especially these days when some multinationals have annual turnovers larger than the Gross Domestic Product of some countries?

That's the theme of a great event at Queen's University tomorrow evening, organised by the QUB student Amnesty group.

Amnesty is clear in its view: all companies have a responsibility to respect human rights in their operations.

We also know that human rights abuses are particularly high in the extractive industry. This is not surprising, given the impact that such operations have on land and water resources. That's why oil giant Shell and mining company Vedanta are the subjects of an ongoing Amnesty campaigns for corporate accountability around the world. More information here.

Amnesty's work on business and human rights aims to change law and regulations to ensure that companies are accountable for the human rights impacts of their operations.

This is the second in the QUB Amnesty's lecture series on the 'Poverty & Human Rights' campaign. Confirmed guest speakers are Dr. Hakeem Yusuf (QUB School of Law), David Thomas, (Christian Aid), Lisa Murray (Business in the Community).

Refreshments will be provided, all are welcome to attend.

Date: Thursday, 22 April 2010
Time: 7-8pm
Location: Clubroom 1, QUB SU, University Road, Belfast