HR Concept HR Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, asserts that every individual is entitled to equal and inalienable rights and fundamental freedoms. This principle, foundational to modern human rights discourse, underscores the inherent dignity and worth of every human being, irrespective of race, gender, nationality, or any other distinction.

In the commercial real estate industry context, this translates to a responsibility to ensure that all aspects of the built environment — from the materials used to the suppliers engaged and from the wages paid to the rights protected — uphold these universal human rights standards.

The International Labour Office estimated that in 2016, 25 million people were in forced labor, 25% of which were children and 71% women and girls¹¹². The construction sector, which directly impacts the real estate industry, is one of the sectors most prone to forced labor, especially in regions like the Middle East and parts of Asia.

In regions like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), migrant workers comprise a significant portion of the construction workforce. Reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted concerns about the treatment of these workers, including issues like passport confiscation, unpaid wages, and poor living conditions. Free the Slaves, an international charity organization working to eradicate slavery, states that "slavery is the result of vulnerability: the poor, the uneducated, and the marginalized are exploited and coerced to work without pay."

Incorporating human rights objectives and activities into the commercial real estate industry's practices is about more than just compliance or risk mitigation. It's about recognizing the industry's power and responsibility to shape spaces that respect and uphold the dignity of all to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable populations and contribute to eradicating slavery and human rights abuses in the construction and commercial real estate sectors.