[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 46 (Wednesday, April 12, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S2640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATE RESOLUTION 290--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT 
COMPANIES LARGE AND SMALL IN EVERY PART OF THE WORLD SHOULD SUPPORT AND 
     ADHERE TO THE GLOBAL SULLIVAN PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE SOCIAL 
              RESPONSIBILITY WHEREVER THEY HAVE OPERATIONS

  Mr. SPECTER (for himself and Mr. Feingold) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                              S. Res. 290

       Whereas Reverend Leon Sullivan, author of the Global 
     Sullivan Principles, is known throughout the world for his 
     bold and principled efforts to dismantle the system of 
     apartheid in South Africa, for his work with Opportunities 
     Industrialization Centers (OIC's) to create jobs for over 
     1,000,000 youth in 130 United States cities and 18 countries, 
     and for his work in literacy training all over the world;
       Whereas Reverend Sullivan initiated the original Sullivan 
     Principles in 1977 as a code of conduct for companies 
     operating in South Africa;
       Whereas the Global Sullivan Principles promote equal 
     opportunity for employees of all ages, races, ethnic 
     backgrounds, and religions;
       Whereas the Global Sullivan Principles stress the social 
     responsibilities of corporations;
       Whereas on June 7, 1999, President Clinton gave approval to 
     the Principles; and
       Whereas on November 2, 1999, Kofi Annan, Secretary General 
     of the United Nations, urged corporate leaders to put the 
     Global Sullivan Principles into practice: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved,

     SECTION 1. CALLING FOR SUPPORT AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE GLOBAL 
                   SULLIVAN PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE SOCIAL 
                   RESPONSIBILITY.

       The Senate calls on companies large and small in every part 
     of the world to support and adhere to the Global Sullivan 
     Principles of Corporate Social Responsibility wherever they 
     have operations.

     SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF GLOBAL SULLIVAN PRINCIPLES OF CORPORATE 
                   SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

       In this resolution, the term ``Global Sullivan Principles 
     of Corporate Social Responsibility'' means the principles 
     stated as follows:
       ``As a company which endorses the Global Sullivan 
     Principles we will respect the law, and as a responsible 
     member of society we will apply these Principles with 
     integrity consistent with the legitimate role of business. We 
     will develop and implement company policies, procedures, 
     training, and internal reporting structures to ensure 
     commitment to these principles throughout our organization. 
     We believe the application of these principles will achieve 
     greater tolerance and better understanding among peoples, and 
     advance the culture of peace.
       ``Accordingly, we will;
       ``Express our support for universal human rights and, 
     particularly, those of our employees, the communities within 
     which we operate, and parties with whom we do business.
       ``Promote equal opportunity for our employees at all levels 
     of the company with respect to issues such as color, race, 
     gender, age, ethnicity or religious beliefs, and operate 
     without unacceptable worker treatment such as the 
     exploitation of children, physical punishment, female abuse, 
     involuntary servitude, or other forms of abuse.
       ``Respect our employees' voluntary freedom of association.
       ``Compensate our employees to enable them to meet at least 
     their basic needs and provide the opportunity to improve 
     their skill and capability in order to raise their social and 
     economic opportunities.
       ``Provide a safe and healthy workplace; protect human 
     health and the environment and promote sustainable 
     development.
       ``Promote fair competition including respect for 
     intellectual and other property rights, and not offer, pay or 
     accept bribes.
       ``Work with governments and communities in which we do 
     business to improve the quality of life in those communities, 
     their educational, cultural, economic and social well-being 
     and seek to provide training and opportunities for workers 
     from disadvantaged backgrounds.
       ``Promote the application of these principles by those with 
     whom we do business.
       ``We will be transparent in our implementation of these 
     principles and provide information which demonstrates 
     publicly our commitment to them.''.

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