Human rights on the agenda

December 10, International Human Rights Day, marked the kick-off to the 60th anniversary year for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. During 2008, a number of activities will take place to raise awareness of human rights, spearheaded by a campaign by The Elders, which seeks to get 1 billion people to sign up to the importance of human rights during 2008 (Every Human Has Rights).
  

Ericsson is taking a leadership role in promoting human rights through its work in organizations such as the UN Global Compact and the Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights (BLIHR). For example, through case studies and assessments, Ericsson is exploring the use of mobile technology as an enabler of human rights - such as the right to health, the right to education, and the right to safety and security - particularly in emerging markets.
 

Ericsson joined BLIHR in November 2006. The initiative is designed to help lead and develop the corporate response to human rights, and is chaired by Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and UN high commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002, who recently visited Ericsson headquarters in Sweden.
 
In the business community, BLIHR kicked off the 60th anniversary activities with an event in London on December 11, led by Robinson. Ericsson's CEO, Carl-Henric Svanberg, pledged the company's support for the Universal Declaration for Human Rights and the company's continued engagement in enabling these rights through mobile technology.
 

BLIHR closed the meeting by encouraging all business leaders to engage with their stakeholders and play an active role in promoting the Universal Declaration and human rights issues during 2008.