16.03.2022.
The UN Global Compact stands with the United Nations and
world leaders in expressing our deep concern about the ongoing war in Ukraine
and unequivocal demand for peace. This unlawful and unprovoked attack by Russia
serves as a timely and tragic reminder that we need to reject conflict anywhere
as an affront to peace everywhere.
The member states of the United Nations have responded to this war quickly and
almost unanimously, deploring “in the strongest terms the aggression by the
Russian Federation against Ukraine”. The message is loud and clear: End
hostilities in Ukraine — now. Silence the guns — now. Open the door to dialogue
and diplomacy — now.
We are witnessing devastating consequences within Ukraine and around the world.
Humanitarian needs are multiplying and spreading by the hour, with civilians,
in particular the most vulnerable such as women, children, elderly people and
those with disabilities, paying the highest price. Globally, there is a
mounting crisis, including the consequences on food security for many
countries, especially for low-income food import dependent countries. The war
also shows how the global addiction to fossil fuels is placing energy security,
climate action and the entire global economy at the mercy of geopolitics. To
take immediate action to support humanitarian relief efforts, this Business
Guide explains how businesses can support the Secretary-General’s
three-month Flash Appeal for people in Ukraine, and a Regional Refugee Response
Plan for the situation outside.
There are already more than 2.3 million refugees from Ukraine who have crossed
into neighboring countries — the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since
World War II. Among them are more than 110,000 Third Country Nationals. With
Ukraine’s neighbors compassionately and generously taking in those seeking
safety, it is important that this solidarity be extended without
discrimination. We echo the words of the UN Secretary-General
in saying that the international community must give those affected our
unequivocal support “without any discrimination based on race, religion or
ethnicity.”
To be sure, we are at a critical juncture in the world where we have seen that
history is repeating itself in ways that are not progressive for business, for
society and for the world. The UN Global Compact’s mandate
promotes moving “towards global partnerships: a principle-based approach to
enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and all relevant partners”. The
basis of our work is captured in our Ten
Principles — comprising human rights, labour, the environment and
anti-corruption. They are grounded in UN Conventions which form the bedrock of
peaceful societies and the conditions for resilient and sustainable business.
These Principles have never been more relevant. Businesses must take action to
ensure their activities – throughout their operations, supply chains, and
investment portfolios – are consistent with the Ten Principles and
international standards.
To begin with, international humanitarian and human rights law must be upheld.
This includes protecting and supporting employees. Companies that have workers
in the area should take all measures to ensure that their employees in affected
locations are safe. They can also enable workers to support relatives in
Ukraine, Russia, and other affected countries.
Businesses must support
and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights law
and make sure that they are not complicit
in human rights abuses. This includes reassessing human rights risks and
exposure to potential harm in business operations, supply chain and other
business relations or responsibility, and to address actual and potential
adverse human rights impacts. Companies are encouraged to undertake heightened
human rights due diligence, taking a conflict-sensitive approach by adapting
due diligence measures to the specific needs and vulnerable communities in
conflict-affected contexts.
And as the lines between politics and economics become increasingly blurred,
the question is no longer if responsible businesses should engage, but how
they should do so.
Businesses have a crucial role to play in reimagining the social contract and
reinforcing public trust by partnering with the UN, Governments and civil
society towards peace,
justice and strong institutions. This cannot be achieved without calling on
all actors for greater accountability, integrity and transparency; for greater
protection of fundamental freedoms; and for greater respect for the rule of
law. Businesses everywhere can take concrete action in their activities and
partnerships to support these efforts and engage in our work on Transformational
Governance.
In 2020, as the UN celebrated 75 years and the UN Global Compact was marking
its 20th year, more than 1,300 CEOs from over 100 countries around the world
acknowledged the importance of inclusive multilateralism through ‘United
in the Business of a Better World: A Statement from Business Leaders for
Renewed Global Cooperation’. Now, more than ever, there is a need to recall
the spirit of that statement and the United
Nations Charter, which sets out "to save succeeding generations from
the scourge of war…to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights...and to establish
conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from
treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained."
The UN Global Compact calls on principled business leaders around the world to
renew and amplify their commitment to peace and support the people of
Ukraine.
This war must stop. The people in Ukraine desperately need peace. And people
around the world demand it. We must give peace a chance.