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Global Business & Human Rights

Our Global Business & Human Rights blog features nuanced discussion regarding the responsibilities of multinational companies, governments and multilateral institutions towards sustainability, with a particular focus on international human rights.

"A Diamond's Origins Are Forever"—Tiffany & Co. Announce Diamond Provenance Certification Program
Blog January 17, 2019
Tiffany & Company announced last week that it would become the world's first jewelry company to share with its consumers information about the country of origin of each diamond they sell. This is the first in a step of transparency measures that the company is undertaking. By 2020, Tiffany hopes to provide its customers with information about where each diamond was cut…
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog January 19, 2018
Its Friday and time for another overview of developments in the field of business and human rights that we've been monitoring. This week's post includes: a lawsuit by the City of New York seeking compensation for the costs incurred as the result of climate change; a lawsuit in France alleging that a companys statements regarding its ethical sourcing commitments are deceptive to consumers; and the establishment of a new Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise by the Government of Canada…
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog July 28, 2017
Its Friday and time for another overview of developments in the field of business and human rights that we've been monitoring. This week's post includes: a decision by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice addressing a corporations duty of care with regard to the employees of its suppliers; new IBA guidance for lawyers on integrating business and human rights considerations into their advice to clients; and a report evaluating corporate conflict minerals filings for calendar year 2016…
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog April 28, 2017
It's Friday and time for another overview of developments in the field of business and human rights that we've been monitoring. This week's post includes: a jury verdict in the Quinteros v. DynCorp litigation; the latest GAO report on corporate conflict mineral disclosures; and a statement from the Scottish Parliament that investments agreements should only be signed after appropriate human rights due diligence. On March 29…
The SEC and the Conflict Minerals Rule: What You Need to Know about the Latest Developments
Blog April 20, 2017
It is clear that Michael Piwowar, Acting Chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) is not a fan of the conflict minerals rule. Earlier this month, the Acting Chairman and the Division of Corporation Finance released two statements regarding rule, both of which clearly state that the regulation will not be an enforcement priority. By way of background, the statements were published after long-running litigation regarding the conflict minerals rule finally reached a formal……
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog March 24, 2017
It's Friday and time for another overview of developments in the field of business and human rights that we've been monitoring. This week's post includes: the European Parliaments adoption of a new conflict minerals regulation; the French Constitutional Councils review of the proposed duty of vigilance legislation; the dismissal of the Doe v. Nestle litigation; and the release of a new Corporate Accountability Index by Ranking Digital Rights…
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog March 10, 2017
It's Friday and time for another overview of developments in the field of business and human rights that we've been monitoring. This week's post includes: new reports on the U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct, corporate disclosures pursuant to the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, and shareholder proposals on social and environmental issues; the second discussion paper published by the Thun Group of Banks…
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog February 10, 2017
It's Friday and time for another overview of developments in the field of business and human rights that we've been monitoring. This week's post includes: a federal court decision holding that U.S.-based companies may be obligated to turn over customer data stored outside the United States; an amicus brief opposing President Trumps Executive Order establishing an entry ban on individual from seven Muslim-majority countries; and new guidance from the OECD with regard to due diligence in……
SEC Issues a Call for Comments on All Aspects of the Conflict Minerals Rule
Blog February 06, 2017
On January 31, the Acting Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Michael Piwowar, issued an call for comments with regard to the conflict minerals rule. The rule was originally adopted by the SEC in August 2012 and published in September 2012. It was drafted pursuant to Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act. Sending a strong signal as to the rules potential fate…
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Blog Editors

ABOUT

Foley Hoag’s Global Business and Human Rights practice provides counsel to multinational companies, governments, and multilateral institutions regarding social, political, and environmental challenges.

Our advice to clients encompasses legal and reputational risk management with respect to human rights, including labor rights and the rights of indigenous peoples; the design and implementation of stakeholder engagement programs; and professional auditing services, ranging from due diligence desk-top analyses to on-the-ground human rights impact assessments and the monitoring of social, human rights, and environmental initiatives.

In addition, we provide clients with crisis management and mediation services with respect to disputes with impacted communities and stakeholder groups, ranging from indigenous peoples to non-governmental organizations.