2020 TCSA Results and Analysis – Social Aspect 

Author: Prof. Yu-Shan, Chen, the Chief of TCSA Social Dimension Group 

Based on observations this year by the judges of the panel, in addition to adhering to principles set out in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights to protect the fundamental rights of employees, there is an increasing number companies complying with policies and guidelines set out by the UN Global Compact Initiative, UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights, and the International Labor Office Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy to formulate human rights policies within their respective organizations. 

Nevertheless, within the context of protecting the fundamental human rights, there are several ongoing trends and directions worth further exposition: First, the protection of fundamental human rights should not be limited to employees, but extend to consumers, distributors, suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders. The goal is to protect the fundamental human rights of all stakeholders. Second, the protection of fundamental human rights should not be limited to a single company, but should be extended to the entire supply chain, so that members along the entire supply chain place greater importance to the protection of fundamental human rights. Third, the protection of 

fundamental human rights should focus on preventive mechanisms, including the establishment of fair and independent reporting or complaint channels, so that stakeholders such as employees and consumers can reflect their candid opinions through fair and independent channels. Fourth, to protect the fundamental human rights, a diversified feedback mechanism should be established that provides multiple communication channels and platforms for stakeholders. This will prevent a single feedback mechanism from being controlled and manipulated, and ensures that stakeholders can freely, objectively, and safely express suggestions and opinions. Fifth, a continuous review and improvement mechanism should be built in the protection of fundamental human rights, which include the company’s human right protection mechanism into its annual audit item, with corresponding corrective and improvement measures. Sixth, to protect fundamental human rights, remedial measures should be formulated to mitigate any harm in cases of major human rights incidents and violations. Seventh, the protection of fundamental human rights must be in line with international standards, and the organization must be updated with the latest international human rights regulations or trends, to ensure the wellbeing of the organization where all stakeholders are treated with care and respect.