Human Rights 101

Reduces risk

Robust human rights practices can reduce business risks. Human rights complaints or abuses can be damaging to your company, resulting in legal actions, regulatory measures, financial costs, negative media attention, loss of revenue, and more. Human rights abuses can also have serious consequences on people—from your employees to those living in local communities where you operate. 
 

Increases trust and attracts customers

A good human rights record is simply good business. It can enrich your company’s brand and reputation. It can help you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders. And it can help you earn new customers and deepen relationships with existing ones. 
 

Opens access to capital

Many financial institutions and credit agencies like EDC are paying more attention to a company’s human rights performance before financing or investing in them. In the absence of key human rights practices, your business may not qualify for credit funding and other financing opportunities.
 

Improves community relations

The world is seeing a new landscape of company-community relations. With the rise of social media, local communities that may be adversely impacted by a business are being more proactive to ensure companies respect human rights, engage communities in dialogue and support local development. Businesses that do so are rewarded with strong community relationships and continued business.