Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that belong to every individual from birth, regardless of race, gender, religion, political affiliation or social status. Defined and protected by international conventions, human rights include a number of basic principles – from the right to life, freedom of expression, protection from discrimination, to the right to work and fair working conditions. The meaning and essence of human rights is reflected in equal opportunities, dignity, respect and freedom of each individual, which contributes to social cohesion and the overall well-being of society.
“Everyone has the right to work, free choice of employment, just and adequate working conditions…” – UN General Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
The rights of every individual in Bosnia and Herzegovina are prescribed by the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, international agreements or conventions signed by Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as internal laws. Article II of the Constitution of BiH proclaims that BiH and both entities ensure the highest level of internationally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms. It is also stated that the rights and freedoms defined in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and its Protocols are directly applied in BiH and have priority over any other legislation. In the same article, it is proclaimed that all persons on the territory of BiH are guaranteed to enjoy human rights and fundamental freedoms without discrimination based on gender, race, skin color, language, religion, political and other affiliation, national or social origin, belonging to a national minority, property, birth or other status [1] .
Human rights in the business environment
Industrialization and globalization strengthen the influence of the business sector on society, so corporations have become a key factor and indispensable actor in the protection of human rights. Their activities affect not only employees, but also entire communities, natural resources and the overall development of countries. Global business flows and operations have thus imposed the need to set universal standards that will ensure that business practices comply with human rights anywhere in the world.
After the adoption of the Declaration of the International Labor Organization (ILO) on fundamental principles and rights at work in 1998 in Geneva, the key document in this sense is the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) , which offer countries and companies a framework for protection and promotion of human rights.
Thus, the 31 UNGP principles are based on three pillars:
- the obligation of states to respect, protect and realize human rights and fundamental freedoms;
- the role of companies as special social organizations to fulfill all legal obligations in the domain of human rights;
- that rights and obligations are linked to appropriate and effective mechanisms of legal protection in cases of their violation.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the issue of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) came to the daily agenda at the beginning of the implementation period of the project “Improving human rights in the economic sector”, which was carried out by the Institute for Youth Development KULT, with the support of the European Union. As part of the project at that time, the document “BiH Framework Guidelines for the Implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights 2021-2025” was created, in which the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, the Delegation of the European Union, the Association of Employers of the FBiH participated in the development. The Association of Employers of Brčko District, the Federation of Trade Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Union of Employers’ Associations of the Republic of Srpska. The guidelines define the key steps that the business sector should take to ensure respect for human rights in accordance with international standards, and their implementation was made official by the adoption by the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina in November 2022.
The Charter on Respect for Human Rights in Business as a Guide for Bosnia and Herzegovina. companies
At the same time as the activities on the preparation of the Guidelines, and in cooperation with the FBiH Employers’ Association, public consultations were held in several cities, which will serve for the preparation of the analysis, and then the methodology for the preparation of the ” Charter on respect for human rights in business “ . The Charter document consists of 15 points that sublimate the UNGP, which concern the prevention of human rights violations, the inclusion of interested parties in order to respect their voice and needs, the commitment to equal treatment for all, the preservation of the working environment, the prohibition of forced labor and the prohibition of involvement in human trafficking, the right to a communication system that maximally protects confidentiality for all employee reports.
The charter was signed by more than 100 companies, including some of the leaders in their industry such as Coca-Cola, Violeta, DM, Bingo, Konzum, ASA Group and others. The new project “Improving corporate responsibility for human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina” , financed by the European Union, continues the positive trend of signing, affirming and applying the Charter, and thus greater visibility and drawing public attention to human rights in business.
Through the integration of UNGP principles through the Charter in its operations, BiH. companies not only minimize legal and reputational risks, but also build trust with employees, partners, communities and certainly their consumers.
The importance of human rights for responsible and sustainable business
The application of human rights in business plays a key role in ensuring sustainable development and the overall business environment and its stability. The business sector often has a direct impact on the rights of employees through working conditions, working hours and ensuring workplace safety. At the time of the current disruption in the labor market in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region, respect for human rights certainly contributes to a positive corporate image and strengthening employer branding, which is key to attracting, motivating and retaining human potential, as the company’s most valuable resource. In addition, socially responsible companies often achieve better results in the market, as consumers increasingly choose brands that promote ethical values, diversity and respect for universal human rights.
The business sector can significantly contribute to the improvement of human rights through compliance with legal and ethical standards. With these activities, the company’s internal processes and procedures are harmonized with the international market and standards, which greatly increases the competitive advantage, especially for export-oriented ones. By introducing the Charter on respect for human rights in business, Bosnian business entities show the initiative to make responsible business the basis of development, while creating a business environment in which human rights are respected and protected.
The project “Improving corporate responsibility for human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina” is financed by the European Union and implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT in partnership with the Trade and Service Workers’ Union and the “Give Us a Chance” Association .
***
[1] Excerpt of the text as the primary regulatory framework for the subject area, published on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Source: mladi.org
