ABSTRACT
The field of corporate responsibility (CR) provides foundational concepts and an ethical base for Corporate peacemaking (CPM). Corporate citizenship conceptualises business as a part of the community, with rights, duties and responsibilities in society. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines international human rights. Corporate-related human rights abuses are significantly higher in countries with weak governance and violent conflict. Companies can therefore call for human rights-based peace processes, which facilitate the inclusion of the political and human rights aspects of the conflict. Corporate law that builds a corporate culture respectful of human rights will encourage companies to build chains of responsibility, budget allocations and incentive structures to reinforce responsibility. Two cases of Political CR relevant to CPM are illustrated by the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on business and human rights, and the UN Global Compact. CR policies are viewed by some as inadequate for preparing a company for conflict contexts.
