Moving Towards Protecting Human Rights in Global Business Supply Chains

Global economy has been the driving force behind socio-economic development in all parts of the world. Yet in certain segments, it can negatively affect the dignity of ordinary workers, particularly in developing countries. Global business production nowadays functions through various levels of global supply chains with producers based in the various corners of the world. However, corporate human rights obligations in the global supply chains are often unclear or non-existent. This Article first explores the normative framework for protecting human rights in the global supply chains by examining existing and potential sources of corporate human rights obligations in international law, domestic systems, and internal policies of corporations. It discusses potential alternatives to move forward and strengthen the supervision of global supply chains in order to prevent future human rights abuses