An Introduction
Human Rights and Business Roundtable
A Commitment to Dialogue by The Fund for Peace
The Fund for Peace is an independent, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and educational organization that works to prevent violent conflict and promote sustainable security. We promote sustainable security through research, training and education, engagement of civil society, building bridges across diverse sectors, and developing innovative technologies and tools for policy makers. A leader in the conflict assessment and early warning field, the Fund for Peace focuses on the problems of weak and failing states. Our objective is to create practical tools and approaches for conflict mitigation that are useful to decisionmakers. Copyright Š 2013 The Fund for Peace. All rights reserved. This program description is proprietary to The Fund for Peace. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent from The Fund for Peace. The Fund for Peace Publication FFP : SHRTP1118 (Version 1304D) Circulation: PUBLIC
The Fund for Peace 1720 I Street NW, 7 Washington, D.C. 20006 T: +1 202 223 7940 F: +1 202 223 7947 www.fundforpeace.org
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2
The Fund for Peace
Human Rights & Business Roundtable
Overview Introduction & Contents Launched in 1997, the Human
What Makes the Roundtable Unique
Rights and Business Roundtable brings together multinational businesses, human rights
organizations
and
other
stake-
4
Activities & Benefits
5
Participants
7
holders to discuss issues of common
What People are Saying
8
concern and explore possible solutions to
Beyond the Roundtable
9
problems in conflict zones in an atmos-
About The Fund for Peace
phere
of
mutual
respect,
trust,
11
and
confidentiality. The Roundtable is based on confidentialToday, the Roundtable focuses exclusively
ity. There is no attribution to individuals or
on the extractive industry, although the
their organizations of what was said. If we
lessons learned and case studies of the
do
Roundtable provide value to all sectors.
presenters will be attributed and only with
The Roundtable is an invaluable resource
their expressed permission.
for
corporations
and
NGOs
to
issue
a
report, then only
formal
work
together to promote sustainable develop-
Also, participants may have been invited
ment, the rule of law and open societies.
because of their position and affiliation, but during the
Guidelines
Roundtable views
ex-
pressed by participants represent only their personal views and do not reflect
The overall goal of the Roundtable is to
upon
promote
unless otherwise stated by the individual.
the
rule
of
law
and
open
their
company
or
organization,
societies. To do this we have a common set of principles and have a sustained
Everything discussed at the Roundtable is
dialogue over issues of common cause and
voluntary – for example any proposals
common concern. Members and guests of
brought forth here are not mandatory in
the Roundtable must be able to speak
any way. And, moreover, any issue that is
openly, frankly and in confidence in order
in litigation will not be discussed. No party
to identify ways to work cooperatively
to litigation that involves the companies,
together in the future to address issues
organizations and/or projects participate
concerning human rights. To make this
in Roundtable Plenary Sessions that relate
possible, the Roundtable is guided by a
to such litigation.
few ground rules.
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The Fund for Peace
Human Rights & Business Roundtable
Why it is Unique
The Roundtable is… Confidential Now in its fourteenth year, the Roundtable continues to successfully execute off-therecord dialogues between human rights, business, development, and legal experts. Collaborative The Roundtable’s agenda is set by and for the
participants.
Our
activities
will
constantly strive to reflect the current interests
of
our
participants.
The
Roundtable is an invaluable resource for corporations and NGOs to work together to promote sustainable development.
cost of action.
The Roundtable gives
corporate members a competitive edge by Constructive
reducing
The Roundtable’s Joint Principles prohibits
relationships
“naming
enhancing
efforts
and to
shaming”, on
joint
our
to brand
stre ngthe ning
stakeholders, image.
and
Together,
advocacy,
participants also strategize on how to
education, and action. This method builds
work collaboratively to address challenges
the internal corporate social responsibility
and risks associated with operating in
capacity of each individual member while
complex environments.
providing
focus
allowing
liabilities,
the opportunity to
make a
difference in the global community.
The
Roundtable’s
activities
work
to
develop solutions and anticipate future Cost-efficient
problems on such issues as
From high profile lawsuits to shareholder
• • •
resolutions, companies have recognized that the cost of inaction is greater than the
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4
Revenue Sharing Forced Displacement Indigenous Rights
The Fund for Peace
• • •
Corruption Security Threats Forced Labor
Human Rights & Business Roundtable
Activities and Benefits Members have unfettered access to
basis to solicit input from key stake-
Roundtable Plenary Meetings that bring a
holders or to work through a pressing
wide
issue
network
of
companies,
non-
confidentially.
The
experience,
governmental organizations, government
expertise, and diverse perspectives of the
representatives and international finance
Roundtable
institutions
through
together
for
education,
help
the
organizations
toughest
challenges
problem solving, and action. As stated in
sented by economic globalization.
the
corporate
Roundtable’s
Joint
Statement
of
Roundtable
member
work preEach can
Principles, members enjoy an atmosphere
request, at no additional cost, one Sidebar
of mutual respect, trust and confidential-
per
ity. The agenda is set by and for its
requested for an additional fee.
year. Additional
Sidebars
can be
members in order to address the concrete issues faced by participating organiza-
Globalization & Human Rights
tions. Plenary sessions take place once every two months.
The Globalization & Human Rights Series covers issues related to the effects of
Topics
for
2011
are
currently
being
globalization that impact the lives of
developed with participants and will likely
human beings.
address
e ngage me nt ,
research but applicable to the themes of
Voluntary Principles on Security & Human
the Roundtable, it seeks to inform a wider
Rights training, building local capacity for
audience
community
foundations,
project-level
within the Roundtable plenaries and in
grievance
mechanisms,
sta ke ho lder
about
Based on open-source
the
issues
discussed
developing
other similar fora. Currently in the series
dialogues with public security forces, and
are papers on, “Economic Reform in Weak
addressing challenges related to health in
States: When Good Governance Goes Bad,”
isolated environments.
“The Effect of the Kimberley Process on Governance,
Sidebars
Corruption,
&
Internal
Conflict,” and “The Global Impact of StateLed Energy Pursuits by China and India.”
The Roundtable staff is always on call. We are
available
to
review
policies
The series is available on our website.
and
training materials, discuss ideas, and help
Off-Site Expert Sourcing
identify partners. Upon request, special sessions may be convened on an ad-hoc
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In addressing human right challenges, the
5
The Fund for Peace
Activities and Benefits
Roundtable
and
Based on this experience as well as our
networks available to link its members to
has
the
increased work with local civil society on
the most relevant and credible experts.
the ground, the Fund for Peace is eager to
The Roundtable’s experts help corpora-
explore
tions better resolve conflicts associated
Roundtables in other countries on specific
with post, current and potential invest-
issues, such as health, which can help
ments. Our expertise covers such issues as
build
governmental corruption, human rights
between them and the private sector, and
training, relationships to security forces,
build trust and understanding, including
consultation
with government as appropriate.
and
resources
compensation
to
opportunities
local
civil
to
society,
create
full
relationships
indigenous communities, identifying local and international partners, environmental preservation,
and
revenue
sharing
schemes.
Corporate Citizen Training
Replication of the Roundtable
Roundtable
membership
helps
educate
corporations in the behavior and benefits The Roundtable has been replicated in
of
Indonesia, thanks to a partnership with the
Roundtable membership allows corpora-
Public
tions
Health
Institute.
Focusing
on
being and
a
good human
corporate rights
citizen.
groups
to
health, which the Fund for Peace recog-
collaborate for preventative action rather
nizes
than clash on human rights issues.
as
an
underlying
condition
of
The
conflict, the Health & Business Roundtable
Roundtable can guide corporations on how
Indonesia is already forging new partner-
to better communicate and work with the
ship to help provide sustainable health to
NGO
workers and communities in rural areas of
partnerships fostered by the Roundtable
Indonesia.
The Roundtable currently has
sustain the integrity and fiscal health of
over
organizations
corporations’ current and future invest-
100
as
members.
community.
The
long-lasting
Meetings take place in Jakarta once every
ments
three months, although we hope that the
approaches to sustainable development.
while
promoting
innovative
number will increase as well as the ability to have the Roundtable meetings in other
Policy Drafting and Evaluation
locations around Indonesia. The Roundtable works with its members in
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The Fund for Peace
Human Rights & Business Roundtable
Participants Current Participants
• • • • • • • •
Chevron
Inmet Mining
Premier Supporter of the Human Rights & Business Roundtable
Premier Supporter of the Human Rights & Business Roundtable
Barrick Gold
ExxonMobil
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold
Hess
Kosmos Energy
Marathon Oil
Newmont Mining
Shell
3P Human Security AES Corporation Africare American Petroleum Inst. American University Amnesty International Atlantean Corporation Center for Civilians in
• • • • • •
Due Process of Law
Coalition for International Consensus Building Inst. Creative Associates
Equitable Origin
•
Global Rights IDS International International Alert International Finance International Stability National Democratic Inst. National Mining Association
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Pact Partners for Democratic Partnership Africa Canada Public Health Institute Search for Common Ground Transparency International U.S. Agency for International Development
Operations Assoc.
• •
NXG Global
Change
• • • • •
Foley Hoag
Corporation
CHF International Justice
• •
• • •
Digital Globe
Foundation
Conflict
• •
• •
7
• • • •
U.S. Department of Defense U.S. Institute for Peace The Walt Disney Company World Bank Group
The Fund for Peace
Human Rights & Business Roundtable
Testimonials
“We look forward to continuing to develop the relationships and trust we have established through the Roundtable, and enthusiastically encourage others to join this groundbreaking and useful forum.” Archie W. Dunham Chairman, President, and CEO, Conoco
“At this time there is a gap between government abuses and human rights efforts to bridge this gap…and the only way to cross that bridge is to bring in the corporate community. I think your Roundtable has tremendous potential.” Jimmy Carter, Fmr. President of the United States
“The Roundtable provides an opportunity to get a window into the decision-making process. We hear about how business representatives struggle within their own organizations to raise these kinds of issues; where the various points of leverage and power are, as well as the motivations behind working on these issues. This information is valuable for both sides to understand each other better.” Elisa Massimino President and CEO, Human Rights First
“The Fund for Peace Human Rights and Business Roundtable is the only regular meeting place for corporations, human rights organizations, and scholars in the U.S.” Andrés Peñate Director of Int’l and NGO Affairs, BP “The Roundtable has been useful because it has allowed the participants to set the agenda rather than coming in with a strong agenda of its own.” Mort Winston Chair, Amnesty International USA
“While we can meet with many of the Roundtable participants individually -- and often do -- the unique format of a trusted environment where ALL of the parties come together under one roof for candid exchanges is extremely valuable to this company. The Roundtable's place in carefully balancing the views, perspectives, and indeed, agendas of the various players should not be underestimated or undervalued.” Stephen Burns Manager, Corp. Responsibility, Chevron
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“The Roundtable is a truly significant endeavor…It has rendered a tremendous service …many of the Roundtable’s objectives are fundamental to American foreign policy”. Paula Dobriansky Former U.S. Undersecretary of State for Global Affairs
8
The Fund for Peace
Sustainable Development & Security
Beyond the Roundtable The
Fund
recognized
that
essential
part
for
Peace
has
companies
of
creating
long
are
an
sustainable
societies. Companies provide infrastructure development beyond their immediate operations and support local economies beyond
direct
employment
opportuni-
ties. When operating in tense social and political environments, however, companies can easily be seen as part of the problem instead of part of the solution. To operate effectively in areas lacking strong government institutions and a respect for the rule of law, companies need partners. We have spent
more
than a decade
nities where they operate and a preferred
analyzing the best practices and lessons
investor or supplier.
learned from companies and their partners through
their
efforts
to
increase
a
FFP frequently supports companies in their
company’s ability to operate with the
development of the following activities:
highest standards despite local obstacles.
• • •
Combining that experience, our extensive global networks, and proprietary software based
on
our
conflict
Human Rights & Security Polices Conflict and Human Rights Assessments Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement
assessment
•
framework (CAST), FFP has developed a
Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms
suite of tools to help companies operate in the most sensitive environments. Our tools
The work of FFP places a heavy emphasis
can assist companies to navigate through
on implementation. We aim to not only
complex situations. By turning challenges
pursue policy research and dialogue, but
into opportunities, companies can become
to also follow through with implementa-
known as a good neighbor in the commu-
tion in the field.
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The Fund for Peace
Sustainable Development and Sustainable Security
mining companies, we have helped draft human rights policies, created assessment capabilities related to security and human rights,
undertaken conflict and human
rights assessments, and developed human rights and Voluntary Principles training materials. In Indonesia, working with local institutions we have helped develop one of the most active national working groups to encourage
adoption
of
the
Voluntary
Principles in Indonesia by companies and the Indonesian government. In 2010, we produced with our partner,
Voluntary Principles on
International Alert, a Guidance Note on
Security and Human Rights
Implementation of the VPs at the National Level, which is being applied in Indonesia,
Initially conceived at a Fund for Peace Human
Rights
& Business
Iraq and D.R. Congo.
Roundtable
meeting, FFP is an active participant in the
Health & Business Roundtable
Voluntary Principles on Security & Human Rights. The Fund for Peace is proud to be
With our partner Public Health Institute, we
serving on the Steering Committee of the
have replicated the Roundtable model in
Voluntary Principles for the 2011-12 term.
Indonesia to support partnership develop-
Through
partnerships,
we
ment to increase availability of resources
support
to improve health. Over 80 companies and
Voluntary Principles implementation by
NGOs
companies. Working with both oil/gas and
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have
joined
the
Indonesia.
10
The Fund for Peace
Roundtable
in
About
The Fund for Peace
Conflict Early Warning and Assessment
Transnational Threats
The Fund for Peace is an inde pende nt , nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonp ro fit researc h and educational organization that works to prevent violent conflict and promote sustainable security. We promote sustainable security through research, training and education, engagement of civil society, building bridges across diverse sectors, and developing innovative technologies and tools for policy makers. Our programs fall into three primary thematic areas:
• • •
Conflict Early Warning and Assessment; Transnational Threats; and Sustainable Development & Security.
A leader in the conflict assessment and early warning field, the Fund for Peace focuses on the problems of weak and failing states. Our objective is to create
Sustainable Development and Security prac tical tools and approaches for conflict mitigation that are useful to decision-makers.
The Fund for Peace offers a wide range of initiatives focused on our central objective: to promote sustainable security and the ability of a state to solve its own problems peacefully without an external military or administrative presence. The Fund for Peace adopts a holistic approach to the issues stemming from weak and failing states. We work at both the grassroots level with civil society actors and at policy levels with key decision makers. We have worked in over 50 countries with a wide range of partners in all sectors: governments, international organizations, the military, NGOs, academics, journalists, civil society networks, and the private sector.
www.fundforpeace.org
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