Roadmap for a Rights-Based Economy

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.

As conservative populist movements spread across the world, so too do threats to fundamental freedoms and to the protection of our environment.

At the root of much of the frustration feeding this rise is a sense that the current model of globalization has worked for too few.

But this need not be the case. It is time for us to build a just and prosperous economy that works for all.

Respect for human rights and the environment are a core part of this vision, not a threat to it. We cannot assume, however, that this respect will be given. We must demand it.

At ICAR, this means building a roadmap for a rights-based economy, and spending time and resources to drive it forward . Our emerging work will thus focus on the following issues:

  1. Ensuring the right to a living wage is realized;
  2. Tackling corruption and corporate influence in politics;
  3. Pushing for human rights and environmental standards in global supply chains;
  4. Building a trade regime that works for all;
  5. Ensuring Accountability for corporate wrongdoers; and
  6. Strengthening international standards, treaties, and norms.

ICAR’s response to these challenges is rooted in our belief that governments have a duty to create and enforce standards on corporate behavior that prioritize people and the environment.

At our core, we believe in the necessity of strong rules over corporations that guide, incentivize, and reward those corporations that put respect for human rights at the core of their business, while holding accountable those that do not.

Our work has always had this goal in mind, but the moment before us calls for a new strategy and new tactics.

Join us as we embark on our journey to build a rights-based economy.

Amol Mehra