Hotel Viengtai, Bangkok Corporate Accountability: Tools to Promote Responsible Business Conduct Hotel Viengtai, Bangkok 4-6 November 2009

A Tool to Promote Responsible Business Conduct

What makes them unique? Only multilaterally endorsed code that OECD governments have signaled commitment to promote Tripartite support BIAC/ TUAC/ Government OECD Watch National Contact Point Structure Promotion of Guidelines to business Handling Specific Instances Complaint mechanism There is someone responsible for investigating violations Low cost option for NGO advocacy

More Information: www.oecdwatch.org Quarterly Case Updates OECD Watch Briefing Papers & reports OECD Watch newsletters OECD Watch Guide to the Guidelines OECD Watch Fact Sheets

What do they cover? Concepts & principles, e.g. ownership, size of enterprise, equity of treatment General policies, e.g. human rights, human capital, sustainable development Disclosure Employment & industrial relations Environment Combating bribery Consumer interests Science & technology Competition Taxation

Who do they apply to? Recommendations for responsible business conduct approved by government to MNEs operating in, or from, the territories of adhering countries 30 adhering OECD member countries 10 non -OECD member adhering countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Estonia, Egypt, Israel, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Romania) Directed at MNE’s via signatory countries

What are the OECD Guidelines for MNEs Voluntary principles & standards to promote corporate responsibility Soft law, non-judicial, not legally binding Are becoming more normative Do not override national laws Based on international treaties and conventions, e.g. ILO Fundamental Principles & Rights at Work Governed by the OECD Investment Committee Promoted and implemented by National Contact Points (NCP’s)