Download - Amnesty International Canada
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PROFITS AND LOSS<br />
Mining and human rights in Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo<br />
THE CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY TO RESPECT<br />
The UN “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework for Business and Human Rights and the<br />
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Guiding Principles) confirm that<br />
companies have a responsibility to respect all human rights, and a corresponding need to<br />
take concrete action to discharge this responsibility. Addressing adverse human rights<br />
impacts requires taking adequate measures for their prevention, mitigation and, where<br />
appropriate, remediation.<br />
According to the Guiding Principles, “The responsibility to respect human rights is a global<br />
standard of expected conduct for all business enterprises wherever they operate. It exists<br />
independently of States’ abilities and/or willingness to fulfil their own human rights<br />
obligations, and does not diminish those obligations. And it exists over and above compliance<br />
with national laws and regulations protecting human rights.” 48<br />
The Guiding Principles further note that: “Business enterprises may undertake other<br />
commitments or activities to support and promote human rights, which may contribute to the<br />
enjoyment of rights. But this does not offset a failure to respect human rights throughout<br />
their operations. Business enterprises should not undermine States’ abilities to meet their<br />
own human rights obligations, including by actions that might weaken the integrity of judicial<br />
processes.” 49<br />
Index: AFR 62/001/2013 <strong>Amnesty</strong> <strong>International</strong> June 2013<br />
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