Norway

1.1 Developing an International Framework for CSR [pages 12-13]:

There is an increasing trend for international organisations, individual countries and civil society to establish partnerships and cooperation with companies. The UN Global Compact is one such initiative. This is a network-based organisation that works with business enterprises. The enterprises are committed to aligning their strategies and operations with 10 principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption….

…The UN Guiding Principles are intended to promote more sustainable, socially beneficial economic development. Promoting human rights is directly and indirectly linked with environmental protection, climate and anti-corruption efforts.

2.2 The State as adviser [page 20]:

Many Norwegian enterprises operate in new markets in weak states with poorly developed legislation or a poor capacity to enforce human rights legislation. Such companies are requesting advice and cooperation on CSR and related subjects such as security, risks and corruption.

The NAP provides examples of measures taken to address this risk, which includes: [page 21]: “strengthen guidance and dialogue with companies on human rights, business ethics, security and corruption in especially demanding markets.”

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Due Diligence by GIEK, Export Credit Norway and Innovation Norway [page 24]:

The information on the company and the project for which support has been requested is assessed on the basis of a red flag checklist and a checklist based on the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact and adapted to Innovation Norway’s mandate and target groups. The red flags are: risk of corruption, the nature of the company’s activities in low-cost countries, ethical dilemmas and environmental pressure from commercial activities. CSR scores reflect the level of CSR-related risk connected with the project or whether CSR may be a reason for giving the case priority. One of the conditions laid down in the contract with the client is that the enterprise must have high ethical standards and avoid contributing to corruption, human rights violations, poor working conditions or adverse impacts on local communities or the environment.

2.6 Human Rights in Conflict Affected Areas [page 26]:

Companies themselves have a responsibility to identify serious risks connected with areas that have been or are affected by conflict. There is an increasing demand from the business sector for dialogue and cooperation with the public authorities on security, risk assessment and corruption in conflict areas and demanding markets in these areas.

The NAP then provides examples of measures to address human rights in conflict affected areas [page 26], namely: “strengthen the dialogue with the business sector through the missions abroad on the risks associated with human rights violations, security concerns and corruption in conflict areas” and “strengthen project cooperation with the business sector on ethics, security and corruption.”

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Responsible Business Conduct [page 32]:

Political unrest and conflict entail a particularly high risk of human rights abuses. Companies that operate in such areas should therefore exercise particular due diligence if they are to avoid becoming involved in such abuses. A typical example is abuses perpetrated by security personnel hired to protect the company. There is also a higher risk of corruption, illegal transactions, sexual abuse and other forms of violence against civilians.