by Martin Dansky

Created on: May 31, 2009   Last Updated: June 01, 2009

I think that human rights and company politics really don't mix. The idea of getting economists and human rights advocates together to generate a plan as to make a human rights issue economically viable is one thing, to get companies which have existed on the exploitation of untold masses to combat for human rights, would certainly be welcome, but it is unlikely in the real world. To get companies in general to address the issues of human rights is also suspect. It tends to remind me of young film companies wanting to address the Dar-four crisis when there is only the desire to capture the attention of a sympathizing public. Regardless of that, companies should take a stand no matter what people think because it helps bring the issue into a spotlight and there are people out there willing to give up their time in order to see effective change.

There are efficient ways that companies can get involved just as there are direct and indirect approaches. A company will probably want to see that there is some economic gain especially if it is not a non-profit organization. So a film company which is geared to make box office sales falls in that category and would rely on the presence of key speakers to bring attention to poverty issues outside nationally or abroad. Those guest speakers are often self-proclaimed advocates of humanitarian needs and are for the most part celebrities chosen for their international appeal.

Africa could quickly turn around and say that it does not want to depend on movie stars for its sortie from decades of economic squalor. So a smart film company or any other company wanting to use a famous name to represent a cause should think of what backlashes there might be especially over issues that might be considered private and painful. That said those companies have to get into direct contact with human rights groups working in those afflicted regions so that they can determine how sensitive those issues are and whether or not those countries want to continually be advertised as needy.

Combating animosity towards human rights can also occur through cultural offices. A non-profit company such as one whose work is based on acquiring the artwork of the local population, can also help turn the tide against discrimination and ignorance. Those people can reunite and share their artistic expertise. The company can create a center, which can also serve for social gatherings. There is more to fighting human rights than just by feeding, clothing

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>