The reality is that business now faces testing questions across a  whole range of issues and this is going to remain a permanent feature.  Currently there is a major focus on human rights and the responsibilities of business. Consequently, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights has steadily become a more important institution for business engagement. 

The UN Secretary General has appointed a Special Representative to examine, amongst others, the role of Business and Human Rights and also CSR standards.

The IOE in close collaboration with other business organizations has been successful in alerting governments to the dangers of a normative approach in this area.  However, while the immediate threat of the “Draft Norms on the responsibilities of transnational corporations and other business enterprises with regard to human rights” is for the time being passed, clearly it is still on the agenda.  It is clear that business needs to continue its very active engagement with the Commission.