Why Article 30?

Article 30 is the namesake of the Salvatory Clause of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.

The brilliance of Article 30 is in its elegance. Article 30 is simple but not always easy. It is an Article that simultaneously restricts, enables, and empowers. That is what business and human rights is all about: doing business without doing harm to people or the planet. Harm mitigation and prevention cannot be done passively or reactively. It requires purposeful preparation and prevention. It requires bravery and balance. It requires accountability. In practice, it is an art that requires expertise and skills. When done well, preventing harm results in win-wins and shared prosperity. That is the power of Article 30. That is the power of corporate respect for human rights.