Unified Metrics Library - UN OECD guidelines violations
Helper question
Summary
Unit
Description
Violations of:
Human Rights
Principle 1 : Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights.
Principle 2 : make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.
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.
Principle 6 : the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Environment
Principle 7 : Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges.
Principle 8 : undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.
Principle 9 : encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.
Anti-Corruption
Principle 10 : Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.
and OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises which offer recommendations for multinational enterprises to align their practices with international standards:
General Principles
The guidelines are based on principles such as transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Businesses are expected to follow all applicable laws and international standards in the countries in which they operate.
Disclosure
Multinational enterprises are encouraged to provide clear, accurate, and timely information about their operations, structure, financial situation, and performance.
Human Rights
Businesses are expected to respect human rights and avoid complicity in human rights abuses.
They should undertake due diligence to identify and mitigate human rights risks, especially in conflict-affected areas.
Employment and Industrial Relations
Enterprises should promote fair employment conditions, including nondiscrimination, equal pay for equal work, and collective bargaining rights for workers.
Environment
Businesses should operate in an environmentally responsible manner, minimizing adverse environmental impacts.
They are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and support green technologies.
Combating Bribery and Corruption
Firms are expected to prohibit bribery and corruption in all their operations and transactions.
They should implement anti-corruption policies, training, and reporting mechanisms.
Consumer Interests
Enterprises should uphold consumer interests by providing safe and quality products, accurate information, and mechanisms for addressing complaints.
Transparency in advertising and marketing is also encouraged.
Science and Technology
Companies are encouraged to contribute to technological innovation and share knowledge for sustainable development.
The guidelines emphasize the importance of intellectual property rights and licensing practices.
Competition
Multinational enterprises should adhere to fair and open competition practices.
Anti-competitive behavior and abuse of market power are discouraged.
Taxation
Companies should comply with tax laws and regulations in a transparent and accountable manner.
They are encouraged to engage in cooperative compliance initiatives and responsible tax planning.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engagement with relevant stakeholders, including local communities, labor unions, and civil society, is promoted.
Meaningful dialogue and consultation should be conducted in decision-making processes.
Respect for Cultural Heritage
Enterprises are encouraged to respect and preserve the cultural heritage and traditions of local communities in which they operate.
Sources
Examples
If a company releases untreated wastewater and emissions into local rivers and the atmosphere, it may cause water and air pollution. Moreover, this pollution may adversely affect the health and livelihoods of local communities, leading to environmental injustice, impacting vulnerable populations disproportionately. In this case, the company violates human rights principles as per the UN Global Compact and OECD Guidelines.