HRT - Media and NGOs report frequently on companies causing environmental hazards and putting employees health and safety at risk when operating in sensitive countries. Mining and electricity business operations are blamed for displacing thousands of people who lose not only their homes but also their traditional livelihoods. Contaminated water sources and soil too poisonous to farm are cited as consequences of multinational business operations. In the worst cases, such companies are accused of doing business with governments in conflict and supporting violent regimes. In some cases, such involvement can aggravate strife and contribute to human rights abuses.

HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNE – Encounters cordially invites you to discuss dilemmas and future perspectives on:

In this context the debate is on where corporate social responsibility starts and where it ends. When operating in locations where state structures are weak and regions are ravaged by violent conflicts, is it enough for multinational business to respect local legal frameworks? Or should multinational companies be expected to automatically apply higher standards? Should business care more about the local population than their governments do?

In the case of violent conflicts, is it possible for companies to remain neutral to the conflict and carry on with “business as usual”? On the other hand, if multinational business is forced to pull out either by consumer pressure, disinvestments threats or sanctions by the international community, what does that mean for the future prospects of these sensitive countries?

Voices among both business leaders and activists suggest that for companies to succeed in the future, they must play a greater role in contributing toward a better world. But how to be good? Today, many agree that companies are not only financial but also moral actors. Could companies become moral authorities as well? And if so, how could this be reflected in companies’ role in setting up an international business framework?

Media and NGOs have an important role to play in this debate. Media exposure is what gains public attention. The threat of negative coverage can also prove a powerful incentive for companies to ensure they have adequate risk assessment mechanisms, human rights guidelines and corporate social responsibility programmes in place.

But with power comes responsibility. In relation to media, is reporting on these issues well informed and analytical enough? Is the role of all actors – local governments, international organisations (WTO, World Bank, IMF, Security council, peacekeeping operations etc.) in problematic cases addressed fairly and is the complexity of situations analysed thoroughly enough? Or do companies sometimes become easy scapegoats and receive the blame for problems that are in reality outside their sphere of influence?

Wednesday, 14 May, 10.00 – 14.00 Geneva Press Club/Club Suisse de la presse Route de Ferney 106, 1202 Genève

For information how to reach Geneva Press Club by public transport, visit www.pressclub.ch

Please, RSVP as soon as possible to confirm your participation to this Encounters as places are limited.

You can send your registration by email project@infosud.org.

Programme and speakers:

10.00 –10.15 Welcome and introduction

10.15 – 11.15 Presentations and debate

Moderator Mr. Dan O’Brien – Senior editor, Economist intelligence unit, The Economist

Mr. Ron Popper – Head of corporate responsibility, ABB Group

Mr. Malcolm Gifford – Head, Development of inspection system cluster, International programme for safety and health at work and the environment, ILO

Ms. AnneKathrin Glatz – Communications officer, Déclaration de Berne

11.15 – 11.30 Coffee break

11.30 – 12.15 Presentations and debate Mr. Salil Tripathi – Senior policy adviser, International Alert

Mr. Jacques Emmanuel Saulnier, Senior vice president communications and spokesman for Areva, Areva

12.15 – 13.30 General debate

13.30 – 14.00 Lunch buffet

Contacts:

Katja Vuori 022 901 33 33 project@infosud.org

Fabrice Boulé 022 901 33 34 fboule@infosud.org

Infosud, 9 rue du Valais, CH1202 Genève tel.+41 22 901 33 33 fax +41 22 901 33 30 info@infosud.org www.infosud.org

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Programme HRT Encounter