The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has clarified that its newly introduced Business Entity Award was to accord recognition to a business entity that has upheld human rights principles beyond their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has clarified that its newly introduced Business Entity Award was to accord recognition to a business entity that has upheld human rights principles beyond their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
In a statement today, Suhakam said this was not to be confused with companies which practised CSR, as this was not an indication of compliance to human rights values.
“Examples of comprehensive application of human rights values would be businesses that do not infringe or violate human rights of the people or workers and do not destroy the environment,” it said.
Another example, it said will be ensuring their products do not endanger the health of workers and do not source products from entities that employ child labourers.
The statement was issued following an erroneous report stating that the award was given to accord recognition for outstanding efforts in human rights practices, with priority to CSR, published two days ago.
At the 2014 Human Rights Award ceremony on Tuesday, Suhakam urged business entities in the country to make business and human rights as basic principles in their practices.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Hasmy Agam said this would ensure business practices did not lead to negative effects or violate the basic rights of workers, public or the environment.
— BERNAMA