Interpretation and respect of human rights is consistent across countries.

Foreign investment has often been seen to have a positive influence on human rights in developing countries.

Although most industries have been associated with some human rights concerns, extractive and labour intensive industries have been at the centre of the debate on business and human rights.

According to a 2006 study of Fortune Global 500, nearly 40% of the companies that have adopted human rights policies have in place an internal system of monitoring and reporting.

The Global Compact invites companies to consider how they can take account of human rights instead of setting out specific provisions for companies.