SIGN THE ANTI-SLAPP PLEDGE

We, the undersigned companies, recognize that strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPPs, are not a legitimate business strategy for companies. 

The private sector thrives in functioning democratic societies, where the right to freedom of expression is a respected bedrock principle and where everyone can express their views without fear of intimidation or reprisal. Lawsuits and legal tactics meant to silence civil organizations and human rights defenders aren’t just bad for societies, they’re also damaging to companies. When companies stifle free expression, they limit their ability to manage risk related to their operations and global supply chains.

As companies that are committed to operating in societies where people are able to exercise fundamental rights, we pledge to:  

• Define Strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPPs, as both lawsuits  and legal tactics that are designed to silence critics and abridge citizens’ ability to exercise fundamental rights.
• Refrain from engaging in SLAPPs against human rights and environmental defenders and civil society organizations that support affected rights-holders.
• Recognize the critical role that civil society organizations and human rights defenders play in creating a profitable enabling environment for the private sector. 
• Encourage partners and suppliers within our value chain to refrain from engaging in SLAPPs to silence legitimate activism.

SIGNATORIES