The Ruggie Framework: An Adequate Rubric for Corporate Human Rights Obligations?

Sur - International Journal on Human Rights, Vol. 7, No. 12, p. 198, June 2010

Posted: 18 Dec 2010 Last revised: 17 Sep 2011

See all articles by David Bilchitz

David Bilchitz

South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law; University of Johannesburg

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: April 1, 2010

Abstract

John Ruggie, Special Representative to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on Business and Human Rights, has released a framework in which he contends that the key responsibility of corporations is to respect human rights. This paper first seeks to analyse this contention in light of international human rights law: it shall be argued that whilst Ruggie’s conception of the responsibility to respect effectively includes a responsibility to protect as well, the nature of the responsibility remains largely ‘negative’ in nature. The second part of this paper argues that Ruggie’s conception of the nature of corporate obligations is mistaken: corporations should not only be required to avoid harm to fundamental rights; they must also be required to contribute actively to the realisation of such rights. A normative argument will be provided for this contention. This understanding of the nature of corporate obligations is of particular importance to developing countries and will be illustrated by considering the duties of pharmaceutical companies to make life-saving drugs available at affordable prices to those who need them.

Keywords: Ruggie Framework, Corporations, Human Rights, Positive Obligations, Obligations to Respect, Protect and Fulfil, Developing Countries

Suggested Citation

Bilchitz, David and Bilchitz, David, The Ruggie Framework: An Adequate Rubric for Corporate Human Rights Obligations? (April 1, 2010). Sur - International Journal on Human Rights, Vol. 7, No. 12, p. 198, June 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1727458

David Bilchitz (Contact Author)

University of Johannesburg ( email )

PO Box 524
Auckland Park
Johannesburg, Gauteng 2006
South Africa

South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law ( email )

The Old Fort Constitution Hill
Kotze Street Hillbrow
Johannesburg
South Africa

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