Castan Centre for Human Rights Law

Multinational Corporations and Human Rights

Business/Employer Association-initiated Norms

The Business Charter for Sustainable Development Principles for Environmental Management

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) created this charter to help business around the world improve its environmental performance. It comprises sixteen principles for environmental management and provides a basic framework of reference for action by individual corporations and business organisations. It was launched in April 1991.

http://www.iccwbo.org/home/environment/charter.asp

Extortion and Bribery in International Business Transactions

The International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) launched a revised version of these rules in 1999. They are intended as a method of self-regulation by international business.

http://www.iccwbo.org/home/statements_rules/rules/1999/briberydoc99.asp

Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations) Charter for Good Corporate Behaviour

This charter was created on 14 September 1992 and its current version was released on 15 October 2002. Its principles cover such subjects as corporate governance, non-discrimination, philanthropy and respect for local cultures and customs when doing business overseas. Keidanren is a Japanese corporate membership body. All companies joining Keidanren must confirm their compliance with the charter, which is enforced through membership penalties imposed for violation of the principles contained within the charter.

http://www.keidanren.or.jp/english/policy/pol052.html

Nikkeiren Japan Federation of Employers' Association, Guidelines for Overseas Direct Investment

The guidelines, first published in 1973, are based on the principle that foreign direct investments by Japanese enterprises should be beneficial to the host country and its economic and social policies. The guidelines encourage Japanese companies to endeavour to establish fair labour practices beneficial to the host workers and to promote inter alia technology transfer, reinvestment and co-operation with local industries.

http://www.joea.or.jp/english/e_index.htm

Pacific Basin Economic Council, Charter on Standards for Transactions Between Businesses and Government

The Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC) is an association of senior business leaders representing more than 1,200 businesses in 20 economies around the Pacific. PBEC adopted the charter in order to promote integrity, transparency and accountability in transactions between enterprises and public bodies. PBEC encourages member companies to adopt the charter and conform to it.

http://www.pbec.org/uploadedimages/Documents/1997/transpar.htm