Concerns regarding OHCHR partnership with Microsoft

Publish Date: 
Wednesday, October 18, 2017

On 17 October 2017 ESCR-Net sent a letter to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to raise concern regarding a new five-year partnership with Microsoft, announced on 16 May.

Microsoft’s grant of USD 5 million to the OHCHR prompted concern by ESCR-Net members of the Corporate Accountability Working Group, given the actual or perceived influence of corporations on the OHCHR’s independence. As defined by ESCR-Net’s Corporate Capture project, 'corporate capture' refers to the means by which corporations undermine the realization of human rights and the environment by exerting undue influence over domestic and international decision-makers and public institutions.

The letter is available in English, Spanish, French and Arabic

Working Group(s): 
Thematic focus: