Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book starts by locating the business and human rights debate in the context of non-governmental organisation (NGO) campaigns, of corporate mistakes and misdeeds and of changes in the international geopolitical situation, in particular since the collapse of communism. It discusses the reasons why human rights are important to companies. The book looks at the legal context within which transnational corporations operate. It provides an assessment of the relationship between companies and human rights in the context of globalisation. The book examines the reasons why human rights have become a business issue. It considers specific examples and case studies of how companies have behaved in situations where human rights violations have occurred or where companies have a role or influence in protecting or promoting human rights.