Companies that are active in countries and territories where grave human rights violations often take place run a heightened risk of complicity in these violations even as a matter of their normal course of business. Sustainalytics’ research enables investors to identify these companies, understand the nature of their activities and how those activities pose risks for human rights incidents.
Investors can use Human Rights Radar to gain a deeper view into potential human rights-related portfolio risks and ensure compliance with client-specific investment mandates, investment policies and international norms and treaties.
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Key Benefits
Identify public companies complicit in human rights violations.
Learn about campaigns that have been initiated against the company.
Understand the role and nature of the company’s involvement as part of the final integrated human rights risk assessment.
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Take a rights-first approach with alignment to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
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Research Overview:
Sustainalytics analyzes a company’s involvement based on...
Nature of Involvement
Uses the following criteria to classify the severity and accountability of involvement:
- Direct violation of human rights
- Provision of tailored products and services
- Benefits perpetrators or exacerbates grievances
- Minor economic activities or sales
Impact of Involvement
Assesses whether a business activity normalizes, facilitates, expands or enforces human rights violations in a country, based on the country context.
Extent of Involvement
Looks at the number of high-risk countries a company is involved in to determine the overall impact a company might have on human rights globally.
Company Management
Assesses a company’s preparedness to prevent and/or mitigate adverse human rights impacts in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the local context in which it operates.
Coverage in 15 Countries and Disputed Territories
Countries
Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Disputed Territories
Palestine, Western Sahara and Tibet
Sustainalytics does not take a position on the definition or politics of disputed territories.
Issues by Country
Equatorial Guinea
- President has remained in power since 1979.
- Vast oil wealth remains in the hands if a tiny minority close to the President.
- Rampant poverty.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Freedom of Expression
High Risk Industries
Energy
? The Energy industry, consisting of subindustries related to oil and gas exploration and production, is linked to five of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Because of the value of hydrocarbons and the substantial investment required to find and extract it, the operations of Oil and Gas companies tend to be extensive, even in unstable or authoritarian countries. In such contexts, however, their involvement can exacerbate tensions between rival factions, as in Somalia and South Sudan, or directly fund a government that is committing human rights violations, like in Sudan and Syria. By conducting these activities, companies run the risk of complicity in the violations being committed.
Telecommunications Services
? The Wireless and Integrated Telecommunications Services subindustries can be linked to human rights abuses in six of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Among these are Eritrea, North Korea, and Syria, all of which have authoritarian regimes in power that use telecommunication infrastructure to control their population. Although typically associated with the positive impacts of greater connectivity, in places without a strong rule of law such technology can be used to censor and monitor the public. This leads to violations of peoples’ right to privacy and even the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of those that oppose the government.
Sudan
- Authoritarian regime in power since 1979.
- Systematic attacks against civilians by government forces.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Life, liberty and security
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Freedom of expression
High Risk Industries
Aerospace and Defense
? The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) subindustry is linked to seven of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, due to the flow of arms going into these countries. While not actually being present in a country, A&D companies facilitate human rights abuses by arming dictators or prolonging a conflict by supplying parties with weapons. Although many in the international community call for the imposition of arms embargoes on high risk countries, conflicting geopolitics often keep this from happening. Examples of where this is arguably occurring include Syria and South Sudan, where thousands of civilians have been killed as a result of the on-going violence.Energy
? The Energy industry, consisting of subindustries related to oil and gas exploration and production, is linked to five of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Because of the value of hydrocarbons and the substantial investment required to find and extract it, the operations of Oil and Gas companies tend to be extensive, even in unstable or authoritarian countries. In such contexts, however, their involvement can exacerbate tensions between rival factions, as in Somalia and South Sudan, or directly fund a government that is committing human rights violations, like in Sudan and Syria. By conducting these activities, companies run the risk of complicity in the violations being committed.
South Sudan
- Civil war from 2013 - present.
- >50,000 people killed.
- >1.6 Million displaced persons.
- Use of an estimated 16,000 child soldiers.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Life, liberty and security
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Freedom from forced and child labor
High Risk Industries
Aerospace and Defense
? The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) subindustry is linked to seven of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, due to the flow of arms going into these countries. While not actually being present in a country, A&D companies facilitate human rights abuses by arming dictators or prolonging a conflict by supplying parties with weapons. Although many in the international community call for the imposition of arms embargoes on high risk countries, conflicting geopolitics often keep this from happening. Examples of where this is arguably occurring include Syria and South Sudan, where thousands of civilians have been killed as a result of the on-going violence.Energy
? The Energy industry, consisting of subindustries related to oil and gas exploration and production, is linked to five of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Because of the value of hydrocarbons and the substantial investment required to find and extract it, the operations of Oil and Gas companies tend to be extensive, even in unstable or authoritarian countries. In such contexts, however, their involvement can exacerbate tensions between rival factions, as in Somalia and South Sudan, or directly fund a government that is committing human rights violations, like in Sudan and Syria. By conducting these activities, companies run the risk of complicity in the violations being committed.
Somalia
- Al-Shabaab opposes government and orchestrates terrorist attacks in region.
- Tension between rival government states claiming sovereignty, fueled by oil concessions.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Life, liberty and security
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Freedom from forced or compulsory labor
High Risk Industries
Aerospace and Defense
? The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) subindustry is linked to seven of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, due to the flow of arms going into these countries. While not actually being present in a country, A&D companies facilitate human rights abuses by arming dictators or prolonging a conflict by supplying parties with weapons. Although many in the international community call for the imposition of arms embargoes on high risk countries, conflicting geopolitics often keep this from happening. Examples of where this is arguably occurring include Syria and South Sudan, where thousands of civilians have been killed as a result of the on-going violence.Energy
? The Energy industry, consisting of subindustries related to oil and gas exploration and production, is linked to five of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Because of the value of hydrocarbons and the substantial investment required to find and extract it, the operations of Oil and Gas companies tend to be extensive, even in unstable or authoritarian countries. In such contexts, however, their involvement can exacerbate tensions between rival factions, as in Somalia and South Sudan, or directly fund a government that is committing human rights violations, like in Sudan and Syria. By conducting these activities, companies run the risk of complicity in the violations being committed.
Extractives
? The Extractives subindustries can be linked to human rights violations in four of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, including the Central African Republic, Eritrea, and Somalia. In these three countries, authoritarian regimes and militant groups use the revenues generated from resource extraction to oppress the population, particularly with the sale of conflict minerals. Furthermore, laborers in these industries suffer terrible working conditions, with situations often tantamount to forced labor. Companies working in these countries risk supporting such practices and the parties in power and thus risk complicity in the violations taking place.
Syria
- Civil war from 2011 - present.
- >400,000 people killed.
- >11 million displaced persons.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Life, liberty and security
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Freedom of Expression
High Risk Industries
Aerospace and Defense
? The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) subindustry is linked to seven of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, due to the flow of arms going into these countries. While not actually being present in a country, A&D companies facilitate human rights abuses by arming dictators or prolonging a conflict by supplying parties with weapons. Although many in the international community call for the imposition of arms embargoes on high risk countries, conflicting geopolitics often keep this from happening. Examples of where this is arguably occurring include Syria and South Sudan, where thousands of civilians have been killed as a result of the on-going violence.Energy
? The Energy industry, consisting of subindustries related to oil and gas exploration and production, is linked to five of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Because of the value of hydrocarbons and the substantial investment required to find and extract it, the operations of Oil and Gas companies tend to be extensive, even in unstable or authoritarian countries. In such contexts, however, their involvement can exacerbate tensions between rival factions, as in Somalia and South Sudan, or directly fund a government that is committing human rights violations, like in Sudan and Syria. By conducting these activities, companies run the risk of complicity in the violations being committed.
Saudi Arabia
- AI-Saud family has maintained an iron grip on the country since its birth.
- Political and religious dissidence is repressed. And arbitrary detention is common.
- 9 million migrant workers, with many suffering abuses and poor treatment.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Life, liberty and security
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Right to work
- Free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment
High Risk Industries
Aerospace and Defense
? The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) subindustry is linked to seven of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, due to the flow of arms going into these countries. While not actually being present in a country, A&D companies facilitate human rights abuses by arming dictators or prolonging a conflict by supplying parties with weapons. Although many in the international community call for the imposition of arms embargoes on high risk countries, conflicting geopolitics often keep this from happening. Examples of where this is arguably occurring include Syria and South Sudan, where thousands of civilians have been killed as a result of the on-going violence.Telecommunications Services
? The Wireless and Integrated Telecommunications Services subindustries can be linked to human rights abuses in six of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Among these are Eritrea, North Korea, and Syria, all of which have authoritarian regimes in power that use telecommunication infrastructure to control their population. Although typically associated with the positive impacts of greater connectivity, in places without a strong rule of law such technology can be used to censor and monitor the public. This leads to violations of peoples’ right to privacy and even the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of those that oppose the government.
Uzbekistan
- 27-year rule of authoritarian dictator.
- Despite his recent death, situation remains unchanged.
- Population is closely monitored.
- Arbitrary detention is common and detainees are routinely tortured.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Freedom from forced or compulsory labor
- Freedom of expression
High Risk Industries
Extractives
? The Extractives subindustries can be linked to human rights violations in four of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, including the Central African Republic, Eritrea, and Somalia. In these three countries, authoritarian regimes and militant groups use the revenues generated from resource extraction to oppress the population, particularly with the sale of conflict minerals. Furthermore, laborers in these industries suffer terrible working conditions, with situations often tantamount to forced labor. Companies working in these countries risk supporting such practices and the parties in power and thus risk complicity in the violations taking place.Telecommunications Services
? The Wireless and Integrated Telecommunications Services subindustries can be linked to human rights abuses in six of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Among these are Eritrea, North Korea, and Syria, all of which have authoritarian regimes in power that use telecommunication infrastructure to control their population. Although typically associated with the positive impacts of greater connectivity, in places without a strong rule of law such technology can be used to censor and monitor the public. This leads to violations of peoples’ right to privacy and even the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of those that oppose the government.
Eritrea
- 25-year rule of authoritarian regime.
- People under 50 conscripted to work and serve in military.
- 470,000 displaced persons.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Freedom from forced or compulsory labor
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Freedom of expression
High Risk Industries
Extractives
? The Extractives subindustries can be linked to human rights violations in four of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, including the Central African Republic, Eritrea, and Somalia. In these three countries, authoritarian regimes and militant groups use the revenues generated from resource extraction to oppress the population, particularly with the sale of conflict minerals. Furthermore, laborers in these industries suffer terrible working conditions, with situations often tantamount to forced labor. Companies working in these countries risk supporting such practices and the parties in power and thus risk complicity in the violations taking place.Telecommunications Services
? The Wireless and Integrated Telecommunications Services subindustries can be linked to human rights abuses in six of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Among these are Eritrea, North Korea, and Syria, all of which have authoritarian regimes in power that use telecommunication infrastructure to control their population. Although typically associated with the positive impacts of greater connectivity, in places without a strong rule of law such technology can be used to censor and monitor the public. This leads to violations of peoples’ right to privacy and even the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of those that oppose the government.
North Korea
- 70-year rule of authoritarian regime.
- Systematic use of forced labor, censorship and inhumane treatment in detention.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Freedom from forced and compulsory labor
- Freedom of expression
High Risk Industries
Aerospace and Defense
? The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) subindustry is linked to seven of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, due to the flow of arms going into these countries. While not actually being present in a country, A&D companies facilitate human rights abuses by arming dictators or prolonging a conflict by supplying parties with weapons. Although many in the international community call for the imposition of arms embargoes on high risk countries, conflicting geopolitics often keep this from happening. Examples of where this is arguably occurring include Syria and South Sudan, where thousands of civilians have been killed as a result of the on-going violence.Telecommunications Services
? The Wireless and Integrated Telecommunications Services subindustries can be linked to human rights abuses in six of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Among these are Eritrea, North Korea, and Syria, all of which have authoritarian regimes in power that use telecommunication infrastructure to control their population. Although typically associated with the positive impacts of greater connectivity, in places without a strong rule of law such technology can be used to censor and monitor the public. This leads to violations of peoples’ right to privacy and even the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of those that oppose the government.
Turkmenistan
- President and associates maintain total control over society.
- 2016 constitution allows for life-long presidency.
- Political or religious dissindence is brutally repressed and punished.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Freedom from forced and child labor
- Freedom of expression
High Risk Industries
Energy
? The Energy industry, consisting of subindustries related to oil and gas exploration and production, is linked to five of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Because of the value of hydrocarbons and the substantial investment required to find and extract it, the operations of Oil and Gas companies tend to be extensive, even in unstable or authoritarian countries. In such contexts, however, their involvement can exacerbate tensions between rival factions, as in Somalia and South Sudan, or directly fund a government that is committing human rights violations, like in Sudan and Syria. By conducting these activities, companies run the risk of complicity in the violations being committed.Extractives
? The Extractives subindustries can be linked to human rights violations in four of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, including the Central African Republic, Eritrea, and Somalia. In these three countries, authoritarian regimes and militant groups use the revenues generated from resource extraction to oppress the population, particularly with the sale of conflict minerals. Furthermore, laborers in these industries suffer terrible working conditions, with situations often tantamount to forced labor. Companies working in these countries risk supporting such practices and the parties in power and thus risk complicity in the violations taking place.Telecommunications Services
? The Wireless and Integrated Telecommunications Services subindustries can be linked to human rights abuses in six of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Among these are Eritrea, North Korea, and Syria, all of which have authoritarian regimes in power that use telecommunication infrastructure to control their population. Although typically associated with the positive impacts of greater connectivity, in places without a strong rule of law such technology can be used to censor and monitor the public. This leads to violations of peoples’ right to privacy and even the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of those that oppose the government.
Central African Republic
- Civil war from 2011 - present.
- 3,000 - 6,000 people killed.
- >400,000 people internally displaced.
Main Human Right Concerns
- Life, liberty and security
- Freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
- Freedom from forced and child labor
- Freedom of movement
High Risk Industries
Aerospace and Defense
? The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) subindustry is linked to seven of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, due to the flow of arms going into these countries. While not actually being present in a country, A&D companies facilitate human rights abuses by arming dictators or prolonging a conflict by supplying parties with weapons. Although many in the international community call for the imposition of arms embargoes on high risk countries, conflicting geopolitics often keep this from happening. Examples of where this is arguably occurring include Syria and South Sudan, where thousands of civilians have been killed as a result of the on-going violence.Energy
? The Energy industry, consisting of subindustries related to oil and gas exploration and production, is linked to five of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Because of the value of hydrocarbons and the substantial investment required to find and extract it, the operations of Oil and Gas companies tend to be extensive, even in unstable or authoritarian countries. In such contexts, however, their involvement can exacerbate tensions between rival factions, as in Somalia and South Sudan, or directly fund a government that is committing human rights violations, like in Sudan and Syria. By conducting these activities, companies run the risk of complicity in the violations being committed.
Libya
- In a state of conflict and political uncertainty since the death of Muammar Gaddafi in October 2011.
- Power disputed by two main factions - GNA and LNA, with local militias controlling smaller regions of the country.
- Killings, torture, injuries, displacements, arbitrary detentions, sexual violence and abductions are common.
Main Human Right Concerns
- The right to life
- The right to be free from arbitrary arrests, torture and ill-treatment
- The right to be free from forced labor
- Freedom of expression
High Risk Industries
Aerospace and Defense
? The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) subindustry is linked to seven of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights, due to the flow of arms going into these countries. While not actually being present in a country, A&D companies facilitate human rights abuses by arming dictators or prolonging a conflict by supplying parties with weapons. Although many in the international community call for the imposition of arms embargoes on high risk countries, conflicting geopolitics often keep this from happening. Examples of where this is arguably occurring include Syria and South Sudan, where thousands of civilians have been killed as a result of the on-going violence.Energy
? The Energy industry, consisting of subindustries related to oil and gas exploration and production, is linked to five of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Because of the value of hydrocarbons and the substantial investment required to find and extract it, the operations of Oil and Gas companies tend to be extensive, even in unstable or authoritarian countries. In such contexts, however, their involvement can exacerbate tensions between rival factions, as in Somalia and South Sudan, or directly fund a government that is committing human rights violations, like in Sudan and Syria. By conducting these activities, companies run the risk of complicity in the violations being committed.Telecommunications Services
? The Wireless and Integrated Telecommunications Services subindustries can be linked to human rights abuses in six of the 11 worst-performing countries on human rights. Among these are Eritrea, North Korea, and Syria, all of which have authoritarian regimes in power that use telecommunication infrastructure to control their population. Although typically associated with the positive impacts of greater connectivity, in places without a strong rule of law such technology can be used to censor and monitor the public. This leads to violations of peoples’ right to privacy and even the arbitrary arrest and imprisonment of those that oppose the government.Sustainalytics’ proprietary methodology for the Human Rights Radar was developed with input and feedback from various stakeholders. In particular, our gratitude goes out to our valued client Wespath.
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