Written in consultation with unions, businesses and NGOs, the UN Norms were adopted by the Sub-Commission on the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in August of 2003.

EarthRights International has actively supported the UN Norms. The Norms represent an important step forward, providing a common and comprehensive international statement of the human rights responsibilities of companies.

While recognizing the primary role of states in guaranteeing human rights, the UN Norms indetify the key human rights responsibilities of companies (Article 1). In doing so, the UN Norms create an important advocacy tool for NGOs, assist government efforts to establish compatible ad social beneficial regulatory regimes across national boundaries, and can be used as a benchmark for corporate conduct, helping corporations to improve their human rights performance. This common, minimum standard will create a level-playing field for all companies, while leaving ample scope for the more enlightened and progressive companies to adopt higher standards.