5/12/08

The State Bar of Michigan International Law Section is sponsoring a panel discussion on corporate responsibility for human rights at Ford Motor Co. World Headquarters in Dearborn on Tuesday, May 20, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

A panel of experts will address how corporations should approach human rights questions and minimizing exposure for human rights practices. Specific topics of discussion will include corporate liability under the Alien Tort Claims Act for human rights violations; human rights codes of conduct adopted by US corporations; negotiating with foreign governments and civil society groups to reduce the risk of accusations of human rights violations; trends among activist groups seeking to broaden human rights standards for corporate activities; ethical considerations in advising corporate clients; and new recommendations by UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights on corporate responsibility for human rights.

Gregory H. Fox, an associate professor at Wayne State University Law School, will moderate the discussion. Panelists are:

• Chris Jochnick, Oxfam America director of private sector engagement;
• Monique Oxender of Ford Motor Co., who manages the automaker's environmental and social sustainability in the global supply chain; and
• Steven Ratner, University of Michigan Law School professor and one of the nation's top international law scholars.

The American Society of International Law and Ford Motor Co. join the SBM International Law Section in sponsoring this event.

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