(Update of Economic Resolution Nairobi 1979)
Recognizing that rules enforced by the World Trade Organization (WTO) do not take into consideration the social or environmental consequences of business practices, that the WTO does no gender analysis and has not been effective in preserving cultural sovereignty;
Aware that businesses are forced to compete with Corporations that abuse human rights, e.g. the use of child labour and sweat shops;
Aware also that cooperation between Non Governmental Organizations (NGO's) and sovereign states can bring pressure for corporate responsibility and enforceable international codes of business practices;
THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN
Calls on its permanent and accredited representatives to The United Nations to support the work of the United Nations in implementing Agreements, Conventions and Declarations which:
a. develop and maintain the capability of implementing social environmental and cultural programs;
b. strengthen the role of labour internationally;
c. fight against labour practices which abuse human rights;
and further Urges all member National Councils to press their respective governments to work to:
a. develop and maintain their capability for implementing social, environmental and cultural programs;
b. strengthen the role of labour internationally;
c. fight against labour practices which abuse human rights.
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Source: International Council of Women (ICW-CIF) — 29th General Assembly, Helsinki, Finland, July 2–8, 2000. Resolution No. 2.
