Voices - Conversations on Business and Human Rights from Around the World
Business & Finance
About
In this ongoing series, activists, business executives, government officials, lawyers, academics, and other experts from around the world share topical and current stories of businesses impacting people in their everyday lives. Developed by the Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB), this series elevates the range of voices – governments, businesses, and civil society – in the discussion on how to make human rights part of everyday business.
Episodes
- Meaningful engagement: what it really takes to work well with communities
Froydis Cameron-Johansson shares insights from 30 years of consulting for oil, gas, and mining companies. The episode stresses the importance of treating community consultation as an ongoing relationship and explains that FPIC (Free Prior…
- Crises colliding: the impact of dark fleets and conflict on seafarers
Francesca Fairbairn speaks with Mark Dickinson and Nathan Smith about the impact of dark fleets on seafarers. The discussion covers how international maritime law inadequacies enable dark fleets and the human toll on seafarers.
- The Dyson Case: a landmark moment for business and human rights?
This episode examines the Dyson legal case, where 24 migrant workers allege abuses at a supplier factory in Malaysia. The UK Court of Appeal's decision to hear the case in the UK raises questions about corporate accountability for overseas…
- Financing a just transition for farmers: a story from Brazil
This episode features a conversation with Isabel Britez of Belterra, a B Corp in Brazil. The discussion focuses on agroforestry initiatives and how farmers can transition to resilient businesses by addressing climate and deforestation risk…
- The biggest business and human rights issues in 2026
Brandee Butler, CEO of IHRB, and Michael Clements, CEO of the Business and Human Rights Centre, discuss leadership and the changing world of business and human rights.
- Catalonia’s housing revolution: where affordability meets sustainability
Haley St Dennis and Ainara Fernandez from IHRB discuss a housing model in Catalonia that integrates decarbonisation with affordability and temperature regulation. They explore whether this approach could serve as a model for housing market…
- Just transitions in the Gujarat desert: a signal of a cleaner, fairer future for informal workers
This episode discusses the shift to solar power for salt farmers in Gujarat, focusing on the partnerships and training that enable a just transition. It highlights how women like Manguben are becoming solar technicians and community leader…
- Looking back, looking forward - the future of human rights and business (Part 2)
Part 2 of this conversation features Brandee M. Butler, IHRB’s new CEO, and founding CEO John Morrison reflecting on the future of the business and human rights agenda in the context of the climate crisis, conflicts, and political division…
- Looking back, looking forward - lessons in human rights and business (Part 1)
In this episode of Voices, CEO Brandee M. Butler and outgoing CEO John Morrison reflect on their work in the business and human rights sector, sharing lessons learned.
- Are seafarers’ rights in crisis?
On World Maritime Day, Francesca Fairbairn, Ben Bailey, and Father Stephen Thanapaul discussed the crisis in seafarers' rights, covering pressing challenges, required protections, and industry accountability.
- Are business practices intensifying water scarcity?
Salil Tripathi of IHRB discusses the impact of business practices on water scarcity with Peter Waldman of Bloomberg Businessweek and Ravi Mariwala of Smaart Water. They explore water commodification, specific community cases, and sustainab…
- What key moments have shaped corporate responsibility?
Anita Ramasastry, Professor of Law at the University of Washington, joins IHRB’s Salil Tripathi to explore the history of the business and human rights movement and the pivotal moments and cases that have shaped it.
- Human rights reporting and disclosure - what’s the view from the ground amidst evolving EU regulation?
The episode discusses human rights reporting and disclosure in global supply chains, examining the role of voluntary standards and their connection to new EU regulations. Guests include Vicky Bowman, Giles Bolton, Natalie Grillon, and Emil…
- Human rights in the fishing industry: what are the pressing risks?
Francesca Fairbairn discusses human rights abuses in the global seafood industry with Ian Urbina, journalist and creator of The Outlaw Ocean Podcast. They cover the predominant challenges faced by over 60 million people working in the sect…
- Collie’s just transition: a blueprint for the world’s eight million coal workers?
Haley St Dennis interviews Darcy Gunning, a lead union organizer, about Collie's just transition for coal workers. They explore the negotiation's successes and challenges, offering lessons for managing similar transitions in various sector…
- Just transitions - how can theory become reality?
In this episode, John Morrison and Haley St Dennis explore the concept of just transitions, discussing the need to address social, economic, and environmental issues as a single systemic challenge and how to apply this thinking in practice.
- Are we about to see a retreat from corporate responsibility?
Salil Tripathi and Kenneth Roth discuss the current threats to the international human rights architecture and what these mean for corporate responsibility and accountability in business.
- The UK Modern Slavery Act - 10 years on where are we now?
The UK Modern Slavery Act, introduced in 2015, is assessed for its effectiveness. The discussion covers corporate accountability and the need for improved supply chain transparency.
- How can European Chambers of Commerce support effective human rights due diligence?
Karina Ufert of the European Chamber of Commerce in Myanmar explains how the organization aids companies in human rights due diligence, particularly with the EU's upcoming sustainability directives. Sarah Mostafa-Kamel details the IHRB’s G…
- How can companies respect human rights while pursuing profits?
This episode discusses the intersection of corporate profits and human rights, examining lessons learned since the UNGPs adoption in 2011. Host John Morrison speaks with human rights lawyer Mike Posner.
- Global challenges in 2025 - what do they mean for responsible business?
The episode covers potential global challenges in 2025 and their implications for responsible business. Guests discuss the backlash against DEI, the importance of international norms and standards, and how a second Trump term might affect…
- Could a Fair Work Agency help enforce worker rights in the UK?
Neill Wilkins and Joanne Young discuss the potential for a single Fair Work Agency to improve labour law compliance in the UK. They examine the current landscape of fragmented enforcement bodies and how a unified agency could affect busine…
- 40 years later: what are the lessons from the Bhopal gas disaster?
This episode discusses the lessons learned from the Bhopal gas disaster 40 years after the event. It features a conversation with survivor Tahira Sultan and Dr. Usha Ramanathan, a legal scholar focused on human rights and the Bhopal case.
- Just Energy Transition Partnerships, or JETPs - what are they and why do they matter?
Haley St Dennis from IHRB interviews Yuri Ramkissoon of South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission about Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs). The discussion examines the role of JETPs in climate finance and their impact on equi…
- Real-world examples of just transitions - what can we learn?
This episode discusses real-world examples of just transitions, focusing on Brazil
- Turning soft law into hard law - what are the implications of the EU CSDDD?
This episode of Voices features Heidi, former Vice President of the European Parliament, discussing the implications of the EU CSDDD and its role in transforming soft law into hard law.
- What does the recent ruling against Chiquita mean for human rights?
This episode examines the Florida court ruling that found Chiquita liable for killings linked to a paramilitary group in Colombia. It explores the implications for global business operations and the necessity of following international sta…
- Preventing ‘Greenlash’: what can we learn from positive climate action?
Giulio Ferrini and host Deborah Sagoe discuss global green urban transitions. The episode explores challenges such as 'renovictions' and strategies for housing-focused climate initiatives.
- The ESG backlash: where do we go from here?
David Schilling, Vasuki Shastry, and Salil Tripathi discuss the history of ESG, the role of ethical investors, the current backlash against ESG, and the importance of regulatory frameworks for responsible business practices.
- Working in a warzone: what risks do seafarers face?
This episode of Voices examines the risks faced by seafarers in warzones, discussing their safety and security during conflicts. It includes perspectives from John Attenborough of Mission to Seafarers and maritime law expert Ian Ralby, alo…
- How should companies respond to snap military drafts?
This episode discusses how companies can respond to unexpected military conscription to protect employees, examining the balance between compliance and resistance strategies. Nabi Abdullaev from Control Risks joins the discussion.
- How can companies respect the rights of Indigenous peoples impacted by renewable projects?
This episode discusses the impacts of renewable energy projects on Indigenous peoples, featuring human rights defenders Robie Halip and Prabindra Shakya. It explores how human rights conventions and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)…
- What are the major challenges for business when it comes to human rights in 2024?
Salil Tripathi and human rights scholar Usha Ramanathan discuss the role of businesses and states in protecting human rights in 2024. The conversation covers topics including data privacy, surveillance, climate change, and agriculture.
- How can Ukraine start a green recovery in the midst of war?
John Morrison, CEO of IHRB, speaks with Margot Wallström about a report detailing the environmental consequences of the war in Ukraine. The discussion covers accountability for environmental damage, potential war crimes, and strategies for…
- Why must companies listen to indigenous communities?
This episode examines the effects of corporate actions on Kerala's fishing communities, highlighting the critical need for businesses to heed indigenous voices and implement corrective measures.
- How can tech companies tackle misinformation and disinformation in this record election year?
With nearly four billion people voting globally in 2024, this episode of Voices explores how tech companies can combat misinformation and disinformation. Guests Priyanka Motaparthy and Iain Levine discuss free speech, hate speech, and the…
- What has the Universal Declaration of Human Rights meant for worker rights?
This episode of Voices examines the impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on worker rights over 75 years. CEO John Morrison speaks with Sharan Burrow about the UDHR's legacy for improving conditions, especially for women and…
- Is the ‘decoupling’ phenomenon just hot air or a human rights concern?
The episode discusses the phenomenon of ‘decoupling’, examining its effects on human rights and business. Guests Vasuki Shastry and Isabel Hilton join Salil Tripathi to explore if ‘decoupling’ is merely economic rhetoric or a significant h…
- Advancing people and planet agendas in the GCC - how can it be done?
The episode explores transforming GCC economies towards sustainability and worker welfare. It features a discussion on challenges, opportunities, and how finance can drive this change.
- Why do human rights matter when it comes to transition minerals?
This episode discusses the critical importance of human rights in the mining of transition minerals, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It highlights the lack of regulation and enforcement in areas like South Kivu and the ne…
- Protecting the workforce in the 'wild watery west'
Ian Urbina, a journalist focused on human rights and environmental crimes at sea, speaks with Francesca Fairbairn about violations of maritime human rights and how governments and companies can address these issues.
- What is labour mobility and what impact do migrant workers have on the global economy?
This episode discusses labour mobility, its importance for the global economy, and the impact of migrant workers. Host Deborah Sagoe talks with Carmen Pedraza and Rebekah Smith about how migration can address global economic challenges and…
- What does one of the first corporate just transition strategies look like?
Rachel McEwan, Chief Sustainability Officer at SSE, discusses the company's early corporate just transition strategy with IHRB's Haley St. Dennis, highlighting the practical, learn-by-doing experience in the energy sector.
- What is the responsibility of business during armed conflict?
Mark Taylor, an expert in human rights and business, joins Salil Tripathi on the Voices podcast to discuss the risks of corporate complicity in conflict zones. The conversation covers the need for increased company transparency and enhance…
- What is the built environment and how does it impact human rights in Lagos?
This episode features Kenny Aderogba from Spaces for Change, discussing the built environment in Lagos, Nigeria. The conversation covers the impact of informal housing, climate change, and the importance of sustainable, accessible housing,…
- Rana Plaza disaster: what are the lessons for human rights and business?
This episode discusses the lessons learned from the Rana Plaza disaster on its ten-year anniversary regarding the protection of workers' rights by businesses and governments. It includes a conversation with Nazma Akter, founder of the AWAJ…
- Constructive or Confrontational Dialogue? Engaging business in human rights, with Peter Frankental from Amnesty International UK
Peter Frankental, Economic Affairs Programme Director at Amnesty International UK, shares insights on engaging businesses in human rights discussions and changes in corporate attitudes since the 1990s.
- Muetter Iliqud on the Use of Uyghur Forced Labour
Muetter, a project analyst at the Uyghur Transitional Justice Database, discusses the use of Uyghur forced labour. The UTJD focuses on registering disappeared and interned Uyghurs in East Turkistan, drawing on research from the Australian…
- Eli Friedman on the Urbanization of People
Eli Friedman discusses the challenges faced by children of migrant workers in China, particularly regarding education. The episode examines how the hukou residency status system and school closures impact students living in urban areas.
- Adriano Nuvunga on Being an Anti-Corruption Human Rights Defender
Adriano Nuvunga is an anti-corruption activist from Mozambique, leading civil society institutions and raising questions about corruption. He advocates for transparency despite personal threats related to his criticism of the extractive se…