Anti-corruption, Integrity, Corporate reporting & Human Rights
Free and fair competition, transparency, respect and compliance with the rule of law are a reflection of an efficiently functioning global economy.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) stands at the forefront of empowering businesses to operate with the highest standards of responsibility and ethics. Through an extensive suite of resources and tools, ICC is committed to assisting companies in enhancing their corporate conduct and practices.
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At the heart of this mission lies the ICC Commission on Anti-corruption, Integrity, Corporate Reporting, and Human Rights. This pivotal commission is formulating policy recommendations and creating actionable tools, all from a comprehensive global business standpoint. Our focus is on fostering corporate accountability, promoting transparency, and leading the charge against corruption.
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The Commission is a collective of esteemed experts and thought leaders from around the world, all united by a shared dedication to these critical issues. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, representing businesses that are deeply committed to advancing corporate integrity, ethical governance, and human rights.
Combatting Corruption
Corruption represents a significant barrier to integrity in business dealings, eroding fair competition, skewing the allocation of resources, diminishing public trust, and weakening the rule of law. The susceptibility of businesses to corruption varies based on factors such as their size, degree of international activity, and the nature and scope of their operations.
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At the heart of corporate responsibility and sound governance, combating corruption is becoming a crucial part of companies' policies for managing their operations. Nonetheless, small to medium enterprises (SMEs) often find themselves at a disadvantage, lacking the resources to meet anti-corruption standards fully.
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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has long championed the importance of businesses adhering to self-regulated compliance measures. It acknowledges the foundational role that international organizations and national governments play in eradicating corrupt practices, including extortion, solicitation, and bribery. Pioneering the fight against corruption, ICC issued its first set of anti-corruption guidelines in 1977 with the Rules of Conduct to Combat Extortion and Bribery. These rules, regularly updated, align with significant international legal frameworks like the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials (1997) and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (2003), marking critical advancements in the global effort against corruption.
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ICC’s suite of anti-corruption resources aims to empower the private sector with training and self-regulation tools, driving forward the global mission to eradicate corruption through practical, action-oriented solutions.
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ICC Rules on combating corruption
11 December 2023
The ICC Rules on Combating Corruption constitute the cornerstone of ICC's anti-corruption work, serving both as a tool for self-regulation by business and as a roadmap for governments in their efforts to fight extortion and bribery.
Publications
ICC Anti-corruption Clause
11 November 2016
This ICC Anti-corruption Clause is for companies to include in their agreements, whereby they undertake to comply with the ICC Rules on Combating Corruption or commit to put in place and maintain an anti-corruption compliance programme.
Business and Human Rights
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) champions the critical role businesses play in upholding human rights and advocates for meaningful collaboration between governments and the business sector to exchange insights on developing and managing human rights obligations.
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The Business Imperative for Human Rights Protection
Businesses are instrumental in fostering peaceful, inclusive societies, which are at the heart of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By respecting human rights, companies not only align with ethical standards but also contribute significantly to the global mission of achieving these goals.
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Guiding Businesses Towards Human Rights Compliance
The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights serve as a comprehensive framework outlining the responsibilities of governments and businesses in safeguarding human rights. ICC is committed to facilitating the adoption of these principles by the business community. Numerous ICC member companies have already made strides in ensuring human rights protection by establishing grievance mechanisms for remedy within their operations.
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The Essential Role of Governments
While the business community plays a crucial role in respecting human rights, the foundational responsibility lies with Governments. ICC encourages governments to proactively engage with businesses, leveraging the sector's valuable experiences in implementing human rights commitments. This collaborative approach is key to enhancing the effectiveness of human rights protection globally.
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Discover the initiatives to galvanize both businesses and governments towards the advancement of Human Rights.
Corporate Reporting
In an increasingly regulated world, companies are confronted with the daunting task of navigating through a complex maze of new regulations. These emerging standards worldwide not only place a significant burden of proof on businesses regarding their reporting practices but also have profound financial implications.
The intricacies of compliance are further compounded by the imperative to maintain a level playing field both within the European Union (EU) and in the broader global market. Successfully managing these challenges is essential for companies aiming to preserve their competitive edge and uphold their integrity in the international arena.
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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) stands at the forefront of global business representation, advocating tirelessly to ensure that the voice of business is heard and that the conditions necessary for businesses to thrive and engage in international trade are maintained. ICC is dedicated to developing tools and resources that assist companies in refining their corporate reporting and operational strategies to meet these evolving challenges.
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Recognizing the critical link between responsible business conduct and corporate success, more businesses are integrating principles of transparency, ethics, and risk management into their governance frameworks. These practices are pivotal not only for effective management but also for bolstering a company's reputation and securing its long-term financial prosperity.
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​Four ICC leaders will be co-leading task forces of the B20 group, the platform for the international business community to support the work of the G20 process organised under the stewardship of host country Brazil this year.