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The UN Framework on Business and Human Rights: A Workers’ Rights Critique

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  • Rashmi Venkatesan

    (National Law School of India University)

Abstract

The “Protect, Respect, Remedy” Framework along with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is the current global standard regarding corporate conduct. This article analyses the UN Framework from the vantage point of labour rights in India by looking at the garment supply chain. It argues that it can do little to induce states and businesses to bring substantive improvements to working conditions in a largely informal economy like India. Without the state performing its duty to protect human rights, the secondary responsibility of corporations can do very little in realising the rights of workers. Nonetheless, its tallest contribution is that it has given a platform for civil society to push for better conduct from all businesses and marks the beginning of a unified international business and human rights agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Rashmi Venkatesan, 2019. "The UN Framework on Business and Human Rights: A Workers’ Rights Critique," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 157(3), pages 635-652, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:157:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-017-3664-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-017-3664-6
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    3. Alysha Kate Shivji, 2024. "Rightsholder-Driven Remedy for Business-Related Human Rights Abuse: Case of the Fair Food Program," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 193(2), pages 363-382, August.
    4. Jungwon Min, 2024. "A Symbolic Framing of Exploitative Firms: Evidence from Japan," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 190(3), pages 589-605, March.
    5. Marisa McVey & John Ferguson & François-Régis Puyou, 2023. "“Traduttore, Traditore?” Translating Human Rights into the Corporate Context," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(3), pages 573-596, January.
    6. Maryam Lotfi & Helen Walker & Juan Rendon-Sanchez, 2021. "Supply Chains’ Failure in Workers’ Rights with Regards to the SDG Compass: A Doughnut Theory Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-15, November.
    7. Venkatesh, V.G. & Zhang, Abraham & Deakins, Eric & Mani, Venkatesh, 2021. "Antecedents of social sustainability noncompliance in the Indian apparel sector," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 234(C).

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