02 P A R T BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS: KEY DEVELOPMENTS AND FRAMEWORKS 1. Overview of the human rights framework 2. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966 and ratified by Vietnam in 1982. Human rights are important for everyone, all over the world. 3. The International Covenant on Civil and Human rights recognise the inherent value of Political Rights (ICCPR) was adopted by each person, regardless of our background, the United Nations General Assembly in where we live, what we look like, what we think 1966 and ratified by Vietnam in 1982. or what we believe. International human rights law obliges States Human rights are about being treated fairly, Parties to respect, protect and promote the treating others fairly and having the ability to human rights of individuals within their territory make genuine choices in our daily lives. Respect or jurisdiction.17 Human rights include civil and for human rights is the cornerstone of strong political rights – like the right to vote and the right communities in which everyone can contribute to freedom of speech; and economic, social and and feel included. cultural rights – like the right to social security and Since the founding of the UN in 1945, many governments around the world have agreed to a set of common standards for upholding human rights. These standards are based on principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect, the rights to speak your language and practise your religion. The right to work is set out in the UDHR, with Articles 6 and 7 of ICESCR outlining the right to access to livelihood, right to work and right to just and favourable conditions of work.18 which are shared across cultures, religions and philosophies. The human rights standards agreed to by governments UN are documents, outlined which in together three form core the ‘International Bill of Human Rights’: 1. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948, recognises the basic rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. It has become a foundation document that has inspired many legally binding international human rights instruments. Responsible business conduct and the tourism industry in Vietnam • Guidance for companies • 2022 | 15