The Impact of Globalization and Human Rights: A Case of Rana Plaza in Bangladesh

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is examining the impact of globalization on human rights, focusing on the tragic Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh. Globalization has led to increased international trade and investment, but it has also raised concerns about its potential negative impacts on human rights, such as labor exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
A qualitative case study approach was used, involving government official documents, and human rights activists’ campaigns. The findings indicate that the pursuit of profit and cost reduction in a globalized economy has contributed to the erosion of labor rights in Bangladesh. The Rana Plaza collapse revealed systemic failures in safety regulations, labor law enforcement, and corporate accountability. The disaster had a devastating impact on human lives and deepened social inequalities. To mitigate the negative impacts of globalization on human rights, the study recommends to strengthen labor laws and enforcement mechanisms, promote responsible business practices and fair labor policies, enhance workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively, increase investment in worker safety and health, provide access to justice and compensation for victims of labor rights violations.