{"id":4237,"date":"2024-12-10T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/?p=4237"},"modified":"2024-12-05T21:07:40","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T21:07:40","slug":"how-conscious-business-practices-preserve-self-expression-and-champion-human-rights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entrepreneurship.asu.edu\/blog\/2024\/12\/10\/how-conscious-business-practices-preserve-self-expression-and-champion-human-rights\/","title":{"rendered":"How Conscious Business Practices Preserve Self-Expression and Champion Human Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/a>
Photo by Syda Productions<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, reminds us of the universal rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled. It marks the adoption of <\/span>the Universal Declaration of Human Rights<\/span><\/a> by the United Nations General Assembly in the wake of World War II in 1949.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The declaration serves as a global standard for the people of all nations. It is also the foundation of the current United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the human rights listed in the declaration include life, liberty, self-expression, education, freedom from slavery and torture, as well as access to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

The theme for Human Rights Day this year is <\/span>\u201cOur Rights, Our Future, Right Now,\u201d<\/span><\/a> which is a stirring call for practical action by everyone. Entrepreneurs have an opportunity to contribute by assessing how their own businesses or nonprofits protect human rights and then taking concrete action to integrate improvements, track adoption and communicate concerns and impact. Entrepreneurs can do this at different levels, starting with their venture as well as throughout their supply chain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Human Rights and Entrepreneurship<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Stephanie Vasquez, owner of <\/span>Fair Trade Caf\u00e9<\/span><\/a> in downtown Phoenix, is a great example of an entrepreneur who is committed to human rights within her own business as well as her supply chain. In an interview with DTPHX, she highlights how she learned about the human rights issues surrounding the coffee trade and set out to create a business that exclusively sources coffee certified as <\/span>Fairtrade<\/span><\/a>. This independent certification audits producers and traders to assure compliance with economic, social and environmental standards. Stephanie is also a passionate supporter of Latina labor rights and founded <\/span>Empower Latina Leaders in Arizona (ELLA)<\/span><\/a> to promote access to equal pay, entrepreneurship, and opportunities. She has infused these principles throughout her standard operating procurers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stephanie has proven that you can do well by doing good. Fair Trade Caf\u00e9 is now one of the longest-standing coffee shops in Downtown Phoenix.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

\n