The Human Rights Defenders & Business Report for 2022, recently released by the UK-based Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC), focuses on the increasing attacks against campaigners striving to protect their communities, environments, and livelihoods from harmful business practices. The BHRRC is an organization committed to promoting human rights in the business world and eliminating abuse.
Findings of the Report
From January 2015 through March 2023, nearly 4,700 attacks occurred globally against Human Rights defenders raising concerns about detrimental corporate conduct. In 2022 alone, there were 555 attacks, indicating that more than 10 defenders were assaulted each week for voicing legitimate concerns regarding irresponsible trade activities.
Mining proved to be the riskiest sector for human rights defenders, accounting for 30% of all assaults in 2022. It was particularly perilous for Indigenous defenders as 41% of attacks against them were linked to mining activities. Non-lethal attacks, which made up 86% of all incidents, usually go uninvestigated or unpunished. These typically act as harbingers to fatal violence.
Judicial harassment, including unfair arrests, trials, and lawsuits against public participation, emerged as the most common form of attack worldwide, accounts for approximately half of all cases. Nearly a quarter of the attacks targeted women who defied both corporate power and patriarchal gender norms.
India’s Status
In terms of protests against harmful business practices, India had the second-highest number of attacks on human rights defenders in 2022, with 54 such incidents. The only country with a worse record was Brazil, followed by Mexico, Cambodia, and the Philippines.
Recommendations
The report recommends legislation recognizing the right to defend human rights and the crucial role of defenders in promoting them. It calls for a zero-tolerance approach towards attacks on defenders and recommends data collection on lethal and non-lethal attacks. It also suggests the development of anti-SLAPP legislation to stop corporations from silencing defenders.
How Businesses Violate Human Rights
Businesses can infringe upon human rights in several ways. Labor rights violations may involve forced labor, child labor, and gender-based discrimination. Corporations can contribute to environmental harm through pollution and deforestation, impacting local communities’ right to a healthy environment. Companies may also source products from suppliers who violate human rights or engage in corrupt practices, undermining citizens’ rights and the rule of law.
Efforts to Safeguard Human Rights Defenders
The UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1998, outlines that human rights defenders are individuals or groups that peacefully promote and protect human rights in accordance with international agreements. While it’s not legally binding, the principles and rights are based on other legally binding human rights standards. In India, there is no specific law to shield human rights defenders, with the National Human Rights Commission tasked to uphold human rights in the country.
The facts presented in this report underscore the urgency of enhancing protection for human rights defenders amidst escalating corporate power and irresponsible business conduct. Efforts should be intensified at all levels to ensure their safety and further the cause of universal human rights.
