Improve human rights practices with your suppliers - BASIC

Cost
LOW
Cost
MEDIUM
Cost
HIGH
EFFORT
low
EFFORT
medium
EFFORT
HIGH
IMPACT
low
IMPACT
MEDIUM
IMPACT
HIGH

When companies purchase goods and services, they join a global supply chain where human rights violations, such as forced labour and unsafe working conditions, are unfortunately common.

Environmental damage can also impact human and indigenous rights, affecting living standards and cultural practices.

Integrating human rights requirements into procurement practices over time improves the human rights performance of suppliers and companies.
- Starting with due diligence on key suppliers and considering social and environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle is crucial.
- Establishing minimum and desired criteria, signalling expectations through a supplier code of conduct, and supporting suppliers in meeting these expectations are essential steps.
- Regular audit and evaluation ensures progress and identifies areas for improvement in upholding human rights standards.

Human rights concerns related to the workplace include impacts on:

  • Discrimination: freedom from workplace discrimination, discriminatory hiring and promotion practices.
  • Health and Safety: safe work environment and access to protective equipment.
  • Work Requirements: reasonable working hours, access to leisure and time off or paid leave.
  • Compensation: equal pay for equal work and fair compensation including paying what amounts to a living wage.
  • Unions: freedom of association and collective bargaining.

Human rights concerns related to broader freedoms and entitlements include impacts on:

  • Freedoms: freedom from forced labour, slavery, child labour, debt bondage, or restrictions on workers’ movements.
  • Security: safety, security, and disaster response in nearby communities.
  • Health: health and wellness of workers and in nearby communities, including through pollution.
  • Livelihoods: ability of residents in communities that your supplier impacts to make a living.
  • Land Use: ownership or use of land and natural resources (land rights).
  • Environment: access to a clean and healthy environment.
  • Ecosystems: limits to or changes in how ecosystems function, with negative impacts for individuals and communities
  • Water: access to clean water for water use and sanitation in nearby communities.
  • Special Groups: respect for the rights of individuals with a disability, marginalised groups, Indigenous Peoples, women, children, migrants, and others.

More than 450 million

people work in supply chain-related jobs.
(International Labour Organization - ILO)

68%

of consumers say businesses must ensure all their suppliers meet high social and environmental standards.
(EY survey - May 2021)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES