Reducing Inequality and Promoting Human Rights: My contribution at the Annual Conference of the Romanian Institute for Human Rights

On December 10, 2024, I had the honor of participating in the Annual Conference of the Romanian Institute for Human Rights, an event dedicated to exploring key issues around reducing inequality and promoting human rights. The conference, with its theme "Reducing Inequality and Promoting Human Rights," was a gathering of distinguished professionals from various sectors, including academia, government, and civil society, all committed to advancing the rights of individuals and groups in Romania and beyond.

The event kicked off with insightful speeches from leaders, such as Senator Costel Vicol, President of the Commission for Human Rights, Equal Opportunities, Cults, and Minorities; Dr. Adrian Bulgaru, Executive Director of the Romanian Institute for Human Rights; and Zsolt Molnár, Deputy Ombudsman. These opening remarks set the stage for the vital discussions that followed, highlighting the importance of integrating human rights into all aspects of governance, business, and societal structures.

As a speaker at the conference, I was excited to present on the role of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises as a soft power tool in promoting human rights. My presentation, titled „The Role of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises as a soft power instrument in promoting Human Rights" which explored how these guidelines can serve as a powerful mechanism for businesses to uphold human rights while advancing their operations globally.

In today’s interconnected world, multinational companies hold significant influence over economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The OECD Guidelines provide a framework that goes beyond traditional legal obligations, urging companies to respect human rights across their operations and supply chains. By encouraging ethical practices, sustainable development, and respect for workers’ rights, the Guidelines aim to foster not just economic growth but also a more equitable society.

One of the core ideas of my presentation was that the OECD Guidelines, while non-legally binding, hold considerable weight in shaping corporate behavior. These guidelines encourage companies to integrate human rights principles into their business strategies proactively. They emphasize the importance of avoiding human rights abuses, addressing any negative impacts caused, and ensuring that companies take a responsible approach to their operations, particularly in global supply chains. The adoption of these guidelines has the potential to significantly reduce inequalities, particularly when companies collaborate with local communities and adapt to the needs of vulnerable groups.

Moreover, the Guidelines align closely with other international human rights frameworks, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the standards set by the International Labour Organization. These frameworks reflect a shared international commitment to ensuring that business practices respect fundamental human rights.

I also highlighted the importance of addressing specific vulnerabilities within society, such as those faced by women, indigenous populations, children, and human rights defenders. Multinational companies must be proactive in recognizing the diversity of social contexts in which they operate and tailoring their practices to prevent rights violations. For example, ensuring that companies work towards the elimination of child labor or discrimination and take steps to protect the rights of indigenous peoples.

A critical aspect of the OECD Guidelines is the concept of “due diligence.” This approach encourages companies to conduct thorough assessments of their operations to identify and manage risks to human rights. By integrating these practices into their daily operations, businesses are empowered to act not only as economic actors but also as agents of positive social change.

The discussions at the conference underscored the importance of collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society in promoting human rights. The establishment of national contact points for responsible business conduct, as highlighted in my presentation, exemplifies how these collaborative efforts can be operationalized. These platforms offer opportunities for dialogue, mediation, and dispute resolution, ensuring that businesses are held accountable for their actions while providing a space for affected individuals and communities to seek remedy.

This is particularly relevant in the context of Romania, where the government has taken steps to reform its National contact point for the RBC in 2024. This reform aims to strengthen the country’s commitment to upholding human rights in business practices, providing companies with the tools and knowledge necessary to operate responsibly, while also giving civil society a platform to raise concerns.

By emphasizing the soft power of the OECD Guidelines, we can see that promoting human rights through business practices is not just about compliance but about creating a culture of accountability and collaboration. It’s about fostering an environment where businesses not only avoid causing harm but actively contribute to reducing inequalities, promoting inclusion, and respecting the dignity of every individual.

Participating in this conference was a reminder of the important role that each of us plays in advancing human rights and reducing inequality. By working together, we can ensure that the principles of fairness, justice, and equality are not just ideals, but everyday realities. I look forward to continuing the conversation and collaborating with all stakeholders to create a future where everyone’s rights are respected, and inequality is progressively reduced.




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