ABSTRACT
In recent years there has been an upsurge of concern over human rights and multinational enterprises (MNEs). This chapter addresses the resulting issues, first, by looking more closely at the intellectual context in which the debate is developing. It deals with the principal arguments for and against the extension of human rights responsibilities to MNEs. The chapter considers what conclusions can be drawn, in particular, as to the relationship between states and corporations for the observance of human rights. It critically assesses the main arguments against and in favour of extending responsibilities for human rights observance to MNEs. The arguments for extending social responsibility standards to corporations are well known. Central to the arguments in favour of extending responsibilities for human rights to MNEs is the view that their status as private legal persons is no longer a bar to such a development.
