Since the publication of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in 2011, there has been increasing focus on the roles and responsibilities of businesses with regards to human rights.
For mobile operators, human rights issues range from the treatment and conditions of people working in the supply chain for mobile devices and network equipment; to how companies’ own employees are treated; and how the human rights of customers, especially of those more vulnerable like children, are respected online.
The human rights for the mobile sector webinar series provides an introduction to business and human rights more broadly and an introduction to the most salient – or important – issues for the sector. These are followed by a closer look at three issue areas. Each webinar includes: guidance to manage risks; an introduction to available tools and guidance; as well as including guest speakers from GSMA and its member companies.
Modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking, 3 November 2020, 1:00 PM GMT
The International Labour Organization estimates that there are approximately 40 million victims of modern slavery around the world and 16 million of these victims are exploited in the private economy. In this webinar, we will provide details of the increasing legal due diligence and disclosure requirements for companies that relate to modern slavery and forced labour. We will also explore the terminology and where there may be risks within the mobile value chain, as well as share good practice case studies and further resources.
Child rights and safety online, 26th January, 2021, 1:00 PM GMT
In an increasingly connected world, mobile operators play a key role in contributing to positive outcomes for children in terms of their rights, development and well-being. In order to be able to enjoy these opportunities, children also need the digital skills to thrive online as well as the knowledge and tools to navigate potential issues – such as inappropriate content and grooming – and to protect their privacy and reputation online. This session will focus on how to help children to stay safe online whilst protecting their right to access content and services.
Privacy and Freedom of Expression, 23 March 2021, 1:00 PM GMT
The human rights of privacy and freedom of expression are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and are very relevant human rights in the online world. In 2016, the UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution stating that “the same rights that people have offline must also be protected online”. This webinar will cover some of the ways in which these human rights relate to mobile operators and will focus on issues such as respecting consumer privacy and, in accordance with local regulation and legislation including licence obligations, assisting governments and their law enforcement agencies in their objective to protect public health and safety.