How do Businesses in/from China Respond to Human Rights Concerns?

How do Businesses in/from China Respond to Human Rights Concerns? Roddy Shaw East Asia Researcher & Coordinator Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

Mary Robinson Chair, International Advisory Network Chris Marsden Chair of our trustees

20 Academic Partners, including: INSTITUTE OF INDIGENOUS STUDIES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNIVERSIDAD DE LA FRONTERA Chile South Africa Thailand USA Hong Kong

4000

Chinese & Taiwanese companies 350

Chinese & Taiwanese Companies

5000 have signed up

HSBC China Light & Power Disney Reebok Nike Adidas Kingfisher SOHU.com Qingdao Double Butterfly Beijing Air Catering Siam Cement MTR C Gujarat Ambuja Cements Taiheiyo Cement Bajaj Auto Ashok Leyland Modicare BP Tata Citigroup Sumitomo Marks & Spencer Positive initiatives highlighted in Weekly Updates include:

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Yahoo 'helped jail China writer' 1

“ Just like any other global company, Yahoo! must ensure that its local country sites must operate within the laws, regulations and customs of the country in which they are based.”

“ I was shocked and dismayed by Yahoo's response…”

Mary Robinson

President of Ethical Globalization Initiative

former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

former President of Ireland

Nick Howen Secretary-General of the International Commission of Jurists “ Yahoo!...should ensure that its actions respect international laws & standards”

“ I am appalled by Yahoo!’s response… Must we therefore expect Yahoo!, apparently lacking principles itself, to follow any practices, however much they may offend against wider considerations of human rights or international standards?”

Sir Geoffrey Chandler

Founder Chair, Amnesty International UK Business Group

former Director of Shell International

former Director General,

UK National Economic Development Office

In face of Mary Robinson’s, ICJ’s and Amnesty’s criticisms, Yahoo’s response is...

Almost a year later....

“ deeply regrets the circumstances" that led to the jailing of the two journalists. [Jerry Yang, CEO of Yahoo] said it runs counter to company values. ”

Subsequent to Yahoo’s case

US Congress inquiry

Private settlement of Wang & Shi’s cases

Jerry Yang asked Condoleeza Rice to help get the release of Wang & Shi.

More cases against Yahoo: Zheng Cunzhu v Yahoo, Guo Quan v Yahoo, Li Zhi v Yahoo

More cases against others: Guo Quan v Google

Global Online Freedom Act

BSR facilitated multi-stakeholder initiative on principles for freedom of expression & internet

Google: Global privacy standard

Sweating Crucifixes 2

“ Jesus, take pity on me! I’m going to die of exhaustion.”--Chinese worker after 19-hour shift...At the Junxingye factory in China, the mostly-young women—including several 15 and 16-year-olds—making crucifixes are forced to work 14 to 15½ hours a day..., seven days a week...Workers paid just 26½ cents an hour...

Full start’s response