Protect, Respect, Remedy.

Professor John Ruggie wrote about business and human rights for the UN. He created a framework for how businesses should act in our global economy. The outline states that businesses should adhere to three rules. Theses are to protect human rights, respect human rights and remedy human right violations.

It's about time! When I buy a pair of shoes I want to know that the person who made it was given a fair wage and were given adequate, happy work conditions. I do not want to buy merchandise that was made in a sweat shop by a 12 year old or anyone. Age does not matter, the people who make what I buy should not be forced to work or put in dangerous situation. I do not want to support a business that makes money by using people and creating misery.

I want to know that if people are treated badly they have someone who will stand up for them and remedy the situation. We live in a world with so much, there is no reason for any one to be treated inhumane just so another can have money. It is not worth it to me. I would rather walk barefoot and wear rags than violate another person's human rights.

You can read the outline here: http://198.170.85.29/RuggTHeie-protect-respect-remedy-framework.pdf

You can find how a business is rated based on human rights, the environment, animal protection, community involvement and social justice in the Better World Shopping Guide, http://www.betterworldshopper.com