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Thursday, March 3, 2022

Investors warn of unintended consequences as companies cut Russian ties

In the News

REUTERS: In a statement to be released on Thursday, the New York-based Investor Alliance for Human Rights said companies must consider ending Russian business deals if they cannot avoid contributing to human rights harms.

Thursday, March 3, 2022

Investor Alert: Human Rights Risks Related to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Blog

As a network of investors engaging our portfolio companies on business and human rights concerns, we recognize the importance of strong national rule of law and adherence to internationally recognized human rights standards to foster peace and prosperity and to guarantee the exercise of democratic...

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Investor Alliance for Human Rights Responds to EU Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence

Today the European Commission released its long-awaited proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence. The Investor Alliance for Human Rights welcomed the proposal as an important step forward but cautioned that significant gaps remain relative to expectations laid out in...

Friday, February 11, 2022

Why wind and solar companies need to address human rights

In the News

Rolling out clean energy is clearly a critical part of global mitigation efforts, but there are rising concerns that some of these projects are failing to properly incorporate human rights. This could in turn put these businesses, and even the whole energy transition, at risk. Read more.

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Investors Representing over US$8.7T Call on the European Union to Develop Digital Rights Regulation

Press Release

NEW YORK, NY, THURSDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2022 – In a statement organized by the Investor Alliance for Human Rights, 65 signatories representing over US$8.7 trillion (€7.6 trillion) in assets under management and advisement voiced support for rights-respecting internet regulation in the European Union...

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Google-Alphabet Shareholders file 11 Proposals for the 2022 Proxy Season Citing a Range of Human Rights and Governance Risks

Press Release

NEW YORK, NY, TUESDAY, JANUARY, 11TH, 2022 – Shareholders announced a group of proposals they filed for the 2022 Alphabet proxy raising a series of civil/human rights and governance risks they believe are material to their investments. In total shareholders filed eleven proposals calling for...

Monday, January 3, 2022

It’s China vs. Walmart, Latest Western Brand Entangled in Human Rights Dispute

In the News

As governments ratchet up accusations of human-rights violations in China, officials there are pressuring foreign companies to take China’s side. The recent flashpoint with Beijing centers on Xinjiang, where the U.S. and others have accused China of committing genocide against the region’s Uyghur...

Monday, December 20, 2021

The week in GRC: SEC proposes tougher insider trading rules and EEOC says Covid-19 cases may be covered by anti-discrimination law

In the News

Facebook faces more calls from shareholders to address harm on its platforms and corporate governance at the company, now known as Meta Platforms. Shareholders including the New York State Common Retirement Fund and Illinois State Treasurer are among an investor group that collectively filed eight...

Monday, December 20, 2021

Investors Want Facebook's Board to Change Amid Criticism

In the News

Shareholders want Facebook to restructure its board so that the company can better address issues of harmful content among others. The New York State Common Retirement Fund and Illinois State Treasurer have reportedly filed eight proposals overall for the tech giant's review, according to a report...

Monday, December 13, 2021

Shareholders Press Facebook for Governance Changes

In the News

Facebook is facing more calls from shareholders to address harm on its platforms and overall governance as the company, now known as Meta Platforms Inc., FB +2.30% responds to pressure from lawmakers and others.

Monday, December 13, 2021

Meta-Facebook Once Again Cited for Risk Oversight Failures by its Shareholders

Press Release

The slate of eight shareholder proposals illustrates mounting concerns among investors regarding Meta’s business model and governance structure and the risks they present for users, customers, investors, and the public interest. NEW YORK, NY, MONDAY, DECEMBER 13TH, 2021 – A group of institutional...

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Leading Investors Support Democratic Transition in Sudan

Press Release

London, 08/12/2021: Leading responsible investors have joined international calls for the full restoration of the democratic transition in Sudan with respect for the rule of law, accountable governance and civic freedoms following the October coup and subsequent agreement between the ousted prime...

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Engaging Solar Companies on Uyghur Forced Labor

Blog

A blog post by Ruben Walter, Business 360 Associate Analyst for Eventide Asset Management At Eventide Asset Management, one of our core investment ideals is respecting the value and freedom of all people. For this reason, we take a strong stance against the use of forced labor at any stage in a...

Friday, October 8, 2021

Global investors sign letters calling for better digital rights

In the News

The Investor Alliance for Human Rights sent letters to 26 companies—including Facebook, Google, Alibaba and Microsoft—urging them to publicly disclose their human rights commitments, give users control over their data and account for harms from algorithms and targeted advertising. The group of 77...

Thursday, October 7, 2021

94 Investors with Over US$6T in Assets Voice Support for Mandated Corporate Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence in the E.U.

Blog

Legislation and enforcement mechanisms seen by investors as critical to identify and address human rights and environmental risks, clarify the standards expected from businesses, and create a level playing field. NEW YORK, NY, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7th, 2021 – A group of 94 investors with more than US...

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Global Funds Representing Nearly US$6T Call for Due Diligence in ICT Sector to Prevent Infringement of Users' Digital Rights

Blog

Concerns over user privacy and freedom of expression prompt investor letter to 26 ICT companies benchmarked in the 2020 Ranking Digital Rights Index. NEW YORK, NY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5TH, 2021 – A group of global investors engaging the information and communication technology (ICT) sector on human...

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Why and How Should Investors Act on Human Rights?

In the News

The food sector spans the globe: seafood from Thailand, sugar from India, cocoa from Ghana, and coffee from Brazil. But this global reach brings problems: poor working conditions and low wages, forced labor, child labor, gender inequality, and violation of community rights to land. What’s a...

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

New Podcast Episode - "This Way Up: Unpacking Human Rights for Business"

Blog

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre has launched a new podcast series "This Way Up: Unpacking Human Rights for Business". This episode features our own Anita Dorett along with Steven Heim & Michelle Cook and explores the impact of the UNGPs. https://audioboom.com/posts/8231279-investor...

Monday, June 14, 2021

Investors Caution Companies to Steer Clear of Lawsuits Against Human Rights Defenders

Blog

Statement supported by 44 investors representing $US270B calls on companies to forswear involvement in Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and to support, not sue, defenders. NEW YORK, NY - TUESDAY, JUNE 15TH, 2021 – The Investor Alliance for Human Rights released a statement...

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Un-Just Transition: How fossil fuels and forced labor taint the solar energy sector in Xinjiang, China

Blog

Anita Dorett, Director, & Nicole Bohannon, Program Support Fellow, Investor Alliance for Human Rights The investment community has flocked to invest in the renewable energy sector to support the global transition to clean energy as governments, civil society, and businesses around the world are...