Business and Human Rights

This seminar will explore the growing area of law and advocacy around business and human rights (BHR).  The course will cover the following:  1) We will examine the development and content of international human rights standards pertaining to corporations and corporate officers, such as international, national, regional and state laws including trafficking, due diligence, trade, finance, investment and procurement laws and principles including the UN Guiding Principles on Human Rights and Business.  2) We will next focus on types of implementation and points of intervention on BHR issues:  a) civil litigation, criminal prosecution and voluntary grievance mechanisms b) internal corporate policies, c) socially responsible investment shareholder advocacy and divestment, d) civil society reporting and documentation, and e) strengthening laws and international standard-setting mechanisms.  To examine these questions, we will use case studies across various industries that focus on issues including supply chains and labor conditions, environmental practices,  violations by security forces employed by multinational corporations, and issues particular to tech industries.  3) The readings and seminars will encourage students to explore the debates about the most effective ways for businesses to protect and advance respect for human rights, prevent violations, and provide redress to victims of violations that occur as a result of their actions/inaction, and defend themselves when they are falsely accused.  4) A research paper due at the end of the semester will encourage students to integrate different arguments and course materials, conduct related independent research and develop their own arguments.  Students will also have the opportunity to present their topics/outlines in class for feedback.  We  will use a combination of discussions, collaborative exercises and conversations with guest speakers working in different aspects of business and human rights work.  The guest speakers will also give students a chance to network with people and discuss ongoing dilemmas in BHR practice in various fields.