In 2006, Ericsson joined the Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights (BLIHR), designed to help lead and develop the corporate response to human rights. BLIHR aims to find practical applications for the aspirations of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights within a business context and to inspire other businesses to do likewise. Ericsson is the 13th company to join BLIHR.

Ericsson is focusing on two aspects of human rights within its own sphere of influence: good governance in sensitive countries, and the use of mobile technology as an enabler of human rights in emerging markets.

Telecommunications can play a powerful role in furthering human rights around the world, such as freedom of expression. BLIHR provides a foundation for developing a more ‘rights-aware’ approach as part of Ericsson’s vision for an all-communicating world. During 2007 Ericsson will look into specific areas where its core technology can play a fundamental role in furthering human rights in emerging markets.

"It seems that the mobile technology sector has a strong capacity to fulfill people’s rights. We believe Ericsson will provide new in-sights and new collaboration, and help demonstrate that the relationship between business and human rights is partly one of compliance and responsibility – but also just as much about opportunity," says John Morrison, programme director of BLIHR.