In this study, I examine the relationship between the business operations of multinational corporations (MNCs) and their uptake of human rights. In contrast to other studies, I investigate why...Show moreIn this study, I examine the relationship between the business operations of multinational corporations (MNCs) and their uptake of human rights. In contrast to other studies, I investigate why some MNCs are doing better with respect to the uptake of human rights within their business operations in by exploring the role of (the threat of) corporate human rights litigation. I find the following: first, there is an association between the ranking of MNC according to the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark (CHRB) and the human rights lawsuits the MNCs faced. Second, based on a case study of three MNCs there appears that most MNCs adopted human rights measures during or after they were confronted with human rights litigation, pushing the uptake of human rights by MNCs. Lastly, there is a rising trend of foreign direct liability cases against MNCs for human rights violations. Based on a comparative case study, it appears that these cases oftentimes do not bring any judicial outcome due to procedural requirements that are in most cases difficult to fulfil by the plaintiff. However, it seems that in most instances a judicial verdict is not compulsory to push a company towards the uptake of human rights within their business operations.Show less
