In conducting the review EIRIS also employed a more stringent methodology – based on its new Human Rights research criteria, designed to assess the human rights performance of large corporations around the world. This new grading system places international instruments such as the ILO Core Labour standards at its core, with companies assessed on their policies and approach to Human Rights, management systems (including training and auditing) and, reporting and disclosure on human rights.
The above assessments are based on strength of management systems and the level of public reporting on what they are doing to implement international Human Rights standards.
“International human rights is a complex, evolving field, which is increasingly involving non-state actors, such as companies and NGOs. It is encouraging to see that a shift in the approach companies are taking to uphold human rights is underway. More and more investors now understand that issues like human rights can impact the performance of companies. We look forward to helping investors implement this within their investment strategy.” said Peter Webster, Executive Director of EIRIS.
Head of Social Research at EIRIS Louise Tippett added, “While a corporate policy statement on the UNDHR is significant as an indicator of Corporate commitment to uphold human rights, what’s also needed is an assessment of how companies are implementing their commitments. Whilst our analysis reveals some evidence that FTSE100 Companies are taking Human rights seriously, it’s clear that a lot still needs to be done”