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[JURIST] UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein [official profile] on Friday asked business leaders meeting in Davos at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting to use their influence to prevent human rights violations in countries where they operate. Zeid cited concerns over the increase in divisive politics and hatred of those who are already vulnerable to oppression in his remarks. Zeid said the current conditions of human rights and business are interrelated as efficient business requires a stable society. Praise was given to corporations who spoke out against media outlets that promoted hateful and xenophobic messages, and all leaders in attendance were asked to ensure their companies operated in keeping with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights [UN Human Rights report, PDF].
World leaders have become increasingly concerned with the potential for human rights violation in the wake of a surge in populist leaders in Europe and the US [JURIST report]. In October, the International Criminal Court expressed concern [JURIST report] over the rising occurrence of extrajudicial killings and potential human rights violations in the Philippines. In January the Obama administration expanded sanctions [JURIST report] against North Korea for alleged human rights violations including sexual violence, deliberate starvation, severe beatings, forced abortions and secret executions. Also in January, Saudi Arabia arrested two human rights advocates [JURIST report] without responding to Human Rights Watch's request to disclose the reasons for their detention.
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