Human rights treaties bind states, not big business. And yet some multinational corporations are virtually states in themselves.Many generate revenues that exceed the gross national product of the world’s developing nations. They influence government policy, shape the economy of countries, and fashion infrastructure so their products can get to market.

In the worst cases, they can also be responsible for environmental damage, the destruction of livelihoods and the deaths of thousands.

The big question is: should human rights treaties be extended to the actions of corporations and, if so, how can business be held accountable?

Should businesses stop thinking in terms of profit and loss, but adopt the triple bottom line of profit, loss and social impact?

Should company law be amended so that directors are accountable not just primarily to their shareholders, but also to the people who are directly affected by their business activities – even if they are the other side of the world?

And what is the legal situation when governments outsource what is traditionally their job to private enterprises? Think private security companies running detention centres in the UK, or providing protection to UN convoys in Afghanistan.

As Tony Fisher, chairman of the Law Society’s international human rights committee, says: ‘Businesses need to be sensitive not only to the effect their activities have on the local population, but also to the risk they run of litigation and criminal proceedings.’

All these questions and more are to be addressed at the Law Society’s Symposium on Business and Human Rights, 17-18 September 2010. See the Law Society’s website for details.