An application of the ‘foundational principles’ of the second pillar of the United Nations guiding principles on business and human rights to the ranger mine, in the Northern Territory of Australia. (20th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pearce, Jeremy
• Is Part Of: International journal of innovation and sustainable development. Volume 14:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 101
• Publication Date: 2019-12-20
• Subjects: human rights -- UNGPs -- United Nations guiding principles on business and human rights -- Mirrar people -- Rio Tinto -- responsible governance; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; 338.92705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-8822

Abstract

This paper reviews the ‘foundational principles’ of the second pillar (the corporate responsibility to respect) of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and applies them to the Ranger mine in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is argued that whilst there is some progress being made and clear acknowledgement and recognition by Rio Tinto that supports the UNGPs, this acknowledgement is yet to translate into meaningful changes on the ground at the Ranger mine. As a result this raises two issues for the UNGPs. Firstly, the efficacy of the UNGPs, as a stand-alone instrument, to deliver increased rights protections for those that need them most. Secondly, commercial realities as opposed to a disregard for human rights, may in some cases explain why companies have not implemented the UNGPs.