Towards a legal standard? Human rights in Norwegian businesses : A case study on how cooperation between non-governmental organizations and business can push the government to implement a legal standard on business and human rights

Abstract

In 2011, the United Nations endorsed the UNGP principles developed by Harvard professor John Ruggie. The “protect, respect and remedy” framework has become an international standard for business conduct considering human rights. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for human rights violations to happen in relation to global production. For many years, civil society organizations in Norway have campaigned for legislation to be implemented, where the Norwegian government has responded that voluntary business practice is more effective. Since 2018, Etikkinformasjonsutvalget has investigated if there a need for a human rights law in Norwegian businesses. This has resulted in a law (åpenhetsloven) currently being under evaluation. The Coalition for Responsible Business (KAN) is a coalition consisting of actors representing Civil Society organizations and businesses, standing together to signalize the need for a legal standard. They want a legal standard based on the UNGP principles. Whereas KAN is used as a case study, this thesis aims to understand if respect for human rights on a voluntary basis in Norwegian businesses is sufficient in avoiding human rights violations, or if there is a need for legislation. [...]