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Developed by UNICEF, the UN Global Compact and Save the Children – the Children’s Rights and Business Principles (the Principles) are the first comprehensive set of principles to guide companies on the full range of actions they can take in the workplace, marketplace and community to respect and support children’s rights. While the business and human rights agenda has evolved significantly in recent years, a child rights perspective has not yet been explicitly addressed.
The Principles are built on existing standards, initiatives and best practices related to business and children, and seek to fill gaps to present a coherent vision for business to maximize the positive impacts and minimize negative impacts on children. In doing so, the Principles help to elaborate both expectations of, and opportunities for business, in relation to children; who are often overlooked as stakeholders of business.
Recognizing the important contribution that business can make in shaping these Principles and ensuring their relevance to business operations, the partners launched an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process involving business, civil society, governments and children across sectors and geographies. An online feedback channel was also launched by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre.
The Principles have been finalized and will be released on 12 March 2012 in London. The event will bring together leading companies and experts to discuss and showcase ways in which business can respect and support children’s rights in their core operations.
The objective of the event is to officially release the Children’s Rights and Business Principles; to create awareness of the Principles and to advocate for the corporate sector to use the Principles.
Approximately 200 representatives of business, civil society, academia and media will participate in this event to learn and share their experiences. The event will also provide an opportunity for participants to discuss how the Principles can best be implemented and explore specific themes related to children’s rights and business.
Participation at this event is by invitation only.
We welcome companies to share their experience in respecting and supporting children’s rights in their operations. For further information, please email childrensprinciples@unglobalcompact.org.
General Inquiries:
childrensprinciples@unglobalcompact.org
Anita Househam
Policy/Legal Adviser
UN Global Compact
househam@un.orgg