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

Jeremy Pearce

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2020, vol. 14, issue 1, 86-101

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.

Keywords: human rights; UNGPs; United Nations guiding principles on business and human rights; Mirrar people; Rio Tinto; responsible governance. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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