Transnational Corporations and Human Rights

As a result of globalization, transnational corporations have not only extended their economic activities, but also their sphere of influence in social, political, cultural and ecological terms. As the annual revenue of some corporations exceeds the gross national product of many countries, they gain a more powerful position in respect to national governments. Transnational corporations influence living standards by relocating production-sites; they also play an important role in international affairs and the generation of international as well as transnational law.

Against this background ECCHR is organizing an international conference in cooperation with "Bread for the World" and “Misereor” on “Transnational Corporations and Human Rights”. The Conference will take place on October 9 and 10, 2008 in Berlin. Since the 1970’s, the United Nations, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have developed international guidelines and set standards for corporations. These tools are intended to regulate or at least govern corporate activities in respect to Human Rights. In addition, a multitude of ‘codes of conduct’ were created through private (corporate) and national initiatives.

The conference brings together social and judicial scientists, practitioners and representatives of Human Rights and development cooperation. This approach intends to confront the risks and opportunities associated with holding transnational corporations accountable for their Human Rights abuses. The conference will include a juxtapose binding legal instruments and code of conducts while taking into consideration aspects of extraterritorial state responsibility and the role of the civil society.

There is no conference fee, but due to limited capacities your registration is appreciated under: info@ecchr.eu