Duties and Responsibilities: Business Sector in the Human Rights Narrative
South Africa has made significant strides in addressing the barriers to the observance of human rights. The abolition of apartheid-era discriminatory policies through our democratic system marks a crucial milestone. However, our commitment to upholding human rights remains incomplete, as certain obstacles persist. In this context, where do businesses stand in ensuring human rights are observed?
A well-known Venda song says: "Lito li vhona zwa kule kule," conveying the idea of a wandering eye that foresees distant objects but overlooks dangers nearby. Similarly, it's hypocritical for businesses to condemn external injustices while ignoring those within their sphere. Companies bear a responsibility to ensure they are not complicit in human rights violations.
To avoid contributing to such violations, businesses must examine their organisational cultures and policies, striving for inclusivity and respect for all individuals. By fostering inclusivity, companies demonstrate a commitment to fighting discrimination, a crucial step in safeguarding rights.
Additionally, businesses, being widely recognised and influential within communities, wield significant power to shape social norms and perceptions. This influence can be effectively leveraged to advocate for and promote human rights. For instance, sports media have effectively condemned racism through campaigns like "No Room For Racism." By directly speaking against human rights violations, businesses are better positioned to shape social perceptions towards an inclusive and equitable society.
Moreover, businesses can utilise their resources in what may resemble corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support pressure groups, civil society organisations, and projects dedicated to advancing human rights in South Africa. As the majority of these organisations operate on a non-profit basis, they depend on donations to fulfil their responsibilities. Hence, the significance of businesses participating in the advancement of human rights by offering financial support and other pertinent resources.
In the realm of public relations, emphasis on workplace diversity promotion is paramount. One research underscores how diversity-deficient companies have historically underperformed in communication, resulting in notable criticism. This arises from neglecting the importance of assembling a diverse team comprising individuals from varied backgrounds. Such a team facilitates seamless communication for the company across various cultural contexts with clients and partners.
The above illustrates the crucial role of promoting diversity and inclusivity in business success. By championing the rights of others, businesses cultivate strong relationships with customers and partners, bolstering their reputation and fostering goodwill.
In summary, just as the United Nations consistently advocates for diverse sectors to embrace measures ensuring equality and inclusivity, we urge all industries to actively advance human rights by integrating them into a larger societal framework dedicated to upholding and valuing human rights. Corporate backing can manifest through vocal opposition to actions detrimental to human rights or by allocating resources to initiatives that uphold human rights principles.