ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses why one should be concerned with, or at least interested in, the human rights conduct of corporations. It presents some historical and current situations that require attention and standard setting. The chapter focuses on past efforts of international law, particularly international human rights law, to treat non-state actors as corporations. It also discusses five major attributes of the UN Human Rights Norms that build upon the previous efforts to deal with the human rights conduct of corporations. The chapter traces the process by which the Norms were prepared and are now being considered by the UN Commission on Human Rights. It identifies three principal issues raised by the opponents to the Norms. The chapter concludes with an account of how the Norms are already being used by businesses, mutual funds, and others. International law and human rights law have principally focused on protecting individuals from violations by governments.
