RightsCon Toronto 2018

We live in an era of increasing threats to democracy, rule of law, civil society and civic freedoms. World Economic Forum in 2017 recognized declining civic freedoms and attacks on civil society as one of the foremost global challenges. Defenders and civil society are instrumental in uncovering the actual and potential negative impacts of companies on citizens. Defenders also provide access to information to companies, enabling better due diligence. Many of these defenders and organizations operate with the ongoing risk that they will be harassed, attacked or even killed for this work. We have tracked over 950 attacks on defenders working on business and human rights issues since 2015, including some raising concerns about the tech sector. In response to these troubling times, progressive business leaders are playing an increasing role in supporting global governance efforts when other major institutions are stalling.

At RightsCon 2018, we will highlight the role business leaders have to play in the protection of civic freedoms and defenders. This session will unpack corporate activism for civic freedoms as one potential solution to this concerning global trend. Participants will discuss how these efforts are crucial to creation of a healthy foundation for sustainable, inclusive economies and what kinds of partnerships are needed between business and civil society to respond to these challenges. The workshop will highlight innovative solutions that spur more inclusive, sustainable economies, underpinned by civic freedoms, explore the challenges and pathways to action on these issues, and get feedback by businesses and civil society to research findings, galvanize action of private sector in support for civic freedoms and defenders and start to shift the narrative by sharing key elements of the business case for civic freedoms.