The Institute for Human Rights and Business revealed ten major business and human rights issues for 2024. While some of the problems are already known they indicate the need for a new approach to addressing them. Others are emerging resulting from the reality that we live in – conflicts, climate change and rapidly developing technology. The report presents a look at the future with a focus on the role of businesses in addressing some of these challenges. The listed issues call for a new leadership that works in collaboration with decision-makers from governments, the private sector, industry leaders and impacted stakeholders.
Workers and the future of work
How might the global food production landscape be impacted because of rising temperatures putting at risk farmers’ lives, climate change threats, and limited resources of smallholders to meet the growing regulatory requirements? One major solution would be investment and training in the application of different technological solutions. Similarly, workers in factories are becoming more susceptible to job displacement, particularly those in low-skilled roles. Addressing this issue requires a focus on education, training, and re-skilling to safeguard workers’ rights and enable them to meet evolving job demands. To mitigate the labor shortage in the Global North, creating favorable working conditions for migrants from the Global South is crucial. Without adequate migration policies, the risks faced by migrant workers will likely escalate, raising concerns about modern slavery and exploitation. While remote work is a preference for many individuals and companies, it has sparked questions about the future of work and the safety of women, given the surge in domestic violence cases. Additionally, concerns arise about online safety, hate speech, and disinformation, disproportionately targeting ethnic minorities and women, leading to instances of bullying and online harassment.
Resource management
The constant threat to natural biodiversity raises concerns regarding its impact on health and human rights. The exploitation of resources is still a big challenge, especially in phasing out of fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energies. However, this shift introduces new concerns related to the exploitation of minerals essential for the green economy and associated risks of land acquisition practices in the development of hydro-power projects and solar parks. The issue of land becomes apparent in rapidly urbanizing cities where smart city initiatives and green projects are raising concerns about equitable access to services and amenities. The sustainable ocean management is critical for the planet’s future with a strong emphasis on the blue economy. While space exploration emerges as a trend for identifying additional resources and mining opportunities, transparency and accountability from all actors are necessary to prevent interspace activities from jeopardizing people and the planet. Mitigating these risks requires a forward-looking approach, guided by strong leadership and collective efforts to guarantee respect for human rights.
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