UN warns corporate power threatens human rights
Migrant workers, women, and informal employees remain highly vulnerable, while attacks on human rights defenders and environmental harms continue across sectors.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk has highlighted growing challenges posed by powerful corporations and rapidly advancing technologies. At the 14th UN Forum, he warned that the misuse of generative AI could threaten human rights.
He called for robust rules, independent oversight, and safeguards to ensure innovation benefits society rather than exploiting it.
Vulnerable workers, including migrants, women, and those in informal sectors, remain at high risk of exploitation. Mr Türk criticised rollbacks of human rights obligations by some governments and condemned attacks on human rights defenders.
He also raised concerns over climate responsibility, noting that fossil fuel profits continue while the poorest communities face environmental harm and displacement.
Courts and lawmakers in countries such as Brazil, the UK, the US, Thailand, and Colombia are increasingly holding companies accountable for abuses linked to operations, supply chains, and environmental practices.
To support implementation, the UN has launched an OHCHR Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights, offering guidance to governments, companies, and civil society organisations.
Closing the forum, Mr Türk urged stronger global cooperation and broader backing for human rights systems. He proposed the creation of a Global Alliance for human rights, emphasising that human rights should guide decisions shaping the world’s future.
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