The top human rights official of the United Nations has called on business leaders gathering this week at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in the Swiss town of Davos to use their influence to stand up for human rights and prevent rights violations in countries where they operate. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said that the things responsible business relies on – sound institutions, the smooth functioning of justice, sustainable development – are impossible to fully achieve without respecting human rights.