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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.

Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog July 27, 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: developments with respect to the proposed Australian Modern Slavery Act; the dismissal of another climate change-based lawsuit; and an initial draft of the proposed Business and Human Rights Treaty. On June 28, the proposed Modern Slavery Bill was introduced to the Australian Parliament…
Alien Tort Case Development: Foreign Corporations Are Not Appropriate Defendants in ATS Cases
Blog April 24, 2018
On April 24, the U.S. Supreme Court held that plaintiffs may not bring claims against corporations domiciled outside the United States in Alien Tort Statute (ATS) cases. In the years following the Supreme Courts 2013 decision in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum, courts have made clear that filing suit against a U.S.-domiciled company is not sufficient for plaintiffs to be able to overcome the presumption against extraterritoriality that is applicable to ATS litigation…
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog April 20, 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: new reports on product liability law and the Internet of Things, Bangladeshs garment sector, and corporate lobbying on climate change, diversity and inclusion, and tax reform; and a new lawsuit seeing to hold oil companies accountable for the costs of climate change…
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog April 06, 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: two new reports looking at corporate compliance with the U.K. Modern Slavery Act and best practices with respect to efforts to address the risks of forced labor; and the release of a Frequently Asked Questions document by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding the presumption that goods made by North Korean workers are made……
Alien Tort Case Development: District Court Allows Plaintiffs to Proceed in Al Shimari v. CACI
Blog March 26, 2018
For Alien Tort-watchers, all eyes are focused on the Supreme Court and the pending decision in Jesner v. Arab Bank, which may determine that corporations are not appropriate defendants in cases brought pursuant to the Alien Tort Statute (ATS). In the interim, in a decision released on February 21, the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has allowed plaintiffs to proceed with their ATS case against U.S…
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog February 16, 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 new venture fund intended to support companies trying to increase transparency with regard to labor conditions in corporate supply chains; the launch of new principles on responsible corporate tax policy; and litigation alleging that a companys failure to disclose human rights-related risks in its supply chain in its packaging is……
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…
International Business and Human Rights Arbitration Proposal Gains Momentum
Blog December 18, 2017
Between November 27-29, over 2,000 delegates gathered in Geneva to attend the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights. The central theme of this year's Forum was “Realizing Access to Effective Remedy,” which is the third Pillar of the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (“U.N. Guiding Principles”). A Working Group of specialists on international law, human rights, and conflict management have suggested one potential approach to strengthening the third Pillar…
Five on Friday – Five Recent Developments that We've Been Watching Closely
Blog December 08, 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 revised Toolkit on National Action Plans on business and human rights; a new automobile industry initiative to address the social and environmental risks associated with raw materials sourcing; and a report from the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights on the efforts of internet platform companies to address content that……
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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.