The dawn of 21st century is one of the live witnesses to the significant changes in the debates of human rights and the increasing recognition of the link between human rights and business. As it is noted in the New York Times, December 8, 1999 editorial, "the ideal of universal human rights….is one of the most important political legacies of the century." The increasing focus on the impact of business on individuals, communities and the environment, makes it clear that to respect human rights must be one of the central measures of a company’s important social responsibility. The Global Compact, launched by the Secretary-General at the 1999 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, challenges individual corporations and representative business associations to support the principles which emanate from universally agreed standards found in the United Nations documents. The two principles related to human rights among them are: "Businesses should support and respect the protection of international human rights within their sphere of influence; and make sure their own corporations are not complicit in human rights abuses." The business bodies must concern with human rights because of the compliance with both local and international laws. Business should satisfy consumer concerns through respecting human rights. By promoting rule of law and building community goodwill it can honor human rights to develop its business strategy. The reason for concern for human rights is becoming important to business because of the supply chain management and enhancing risk management. It is also important for a business to respect and protect human rights for keeping markets open, increasing worker productivity and retention. By applying corporate values it can attract more market; and so, human rights are becoming more challenging for the business.
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