Abstract
The upholding of fundamental human rights is essential for the survival and well-being of humanity, as emphasised by the fundamental principle of ISO 26000. Initially, corporations were encouraged to practise social responsibility (SR) willingly, without any legal requirement. However, this approach was shown to be inadequate for ensuring global sustainability and the preservation of human rights. This book chapter examines the relationship between human rights and sustainable development goals (SDGs) within the framework of a socially responsible society. It emphasises the importance of organisations integrating human rights points of view, in accordance with the 2030 sustainable development agenda. The research emphasises the urgent requirement for a forward-thinking and environmentally-friendly society dedicated to social responsibility in order to ensure the survival of humanity. This conclusion is based on a thorough examination of several documents, including academic literature and influential worldwide publications such as COP27.
TopBackground
The +50 wars in 2023 emphasize the importance of the given statement of UNO: humankind will accept social responsibility or disappear by suicide called the 3rd World War. Survival is the basic human right. In the given conditions it is hardly possible without humankind’s transition to proceed with the shift from the current neoliberal negation of free market and democracy into the innovative sustainable socially responsible society (ISSRS). (See more in Mulej et al., in press).
To be aware of climate and social, economic changes and adapt to new circumstances the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. This Agenda provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and through the future. At its core, there are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which serve as an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. The countries by following mentioned goals recognize that ending poverty and other forms of deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. (THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development, n.d.)
There were several international documents accepted to help humankind to change its habits toward sustainability behaviour and so to care for human rights too. We are presenting their systemic interdependence and connectivity further in this book chapter.
Methods
This research employs a rigorous examination and conducts document review methodology to clarify the complex relationship between human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of the Innovative, Sustainable, and Socially Responsible Society (ISSRS). This analysis systematically examines various sources including academic literature, historical documents, policy frameworks and reports from major global stages such as COP27 (27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) - We Must All Step up Action to Overcome the Triple Planetary Crisis, n.d.). It features the history of human rights through to its modern applications in today's world with a particular look at future trends.
It explores how they are integrated into the International Social and Solidarity Economy (ISSE) and the SDGs, while it also pays attention to relationship between human rights concepts on one’s hand, and ideas of sustainability on the other. It is also intriguing how the document analysis as a methodological approach can interpret development, growth and beneficial implementation of relevant legislation or strategic efforts with great depth and complexity. This approach allows for a systematic study of the ISSRS idea and provides an on-going perspective from which to consider its relationship with human rights and sustainability.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Human Rights: Human rights are essential freedoms and guarantees to which every individual is entitled by virtue of his or her existence. They protect the dignity, equality, and respect of human beings, regardless of their nationality, gender, ethnicity, religion, or any other characteristic. Human rights like the right to life, the right to freedom from torture and discrimination, the right to freedom of expression, the right to work, education and access to healthcare, are intended to guarantee that every individual can live freely, express themselves, make decisions about their lives and participate fully in society without being oppressed or experiencing injustice.
United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: The United Nations Guiding Principles on economic and Human Rights provide a structure for governments and businesses to help prevent, address and remedy human rights abuses in the context of business activities. Businesses are obliged to respect human rights and find solutions to any violations.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDGs are a collection of 17 interrelated goals created by the United Nations to lead the world towards a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030. These goals serve as a guideline and promote global cooperation to combat poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): CSRD is a European legislation, which requires businesses to disclose information about their environmental and social impacts. It requires businesses to disclose details of their approach to sustainability issues to promote openness and responsibility.
Innovative Sustainable Socially Responsible Society (ISSRS): ISSRS is a community committed to sustainable development. This society prioritizes social responsibility and innovation and aims to protect the well-being and rights of all people. It addresses the pressing environmental, economic, and social issues we face in a thorough and unified way.
Social Responsibility (SR): Social responsibility means that individuals, organizations, and institutions commit to doing what is in the best interests of society as a whole and ensuring that their actions have a good impact on the environment, communities, and the economy. This includes ethical actions that go above and beyond what is required, promoting fairness, protecting the environment, and improving the overall long-term well-being of society and the environment over short-term financial gain.
ISO 26000: ISO 26000 provides recommendations to organizations about the implementation of social responsibility initiatives. It promotes organizations to accept responsibility for their impact on social and environmental well-being, encouraging ethical and sustainable decision-making and operations that benefit society.