HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY
HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY STATEMENT
We believe that business can only flourish in societies where human rights are protected and respected. We recognise that business has the responsibility to respect human rights and the ability to contribute to positive human rights impacts.
This is an area of growing importance to our employees, workers, shareholders, investors, customers, consumers, the communities where we operate and civil society groups. There is therefore both a business and a moral case for ensuring that human rights are upheld across our operations and our value chain. This Human Rights Statement contains over-arching principles which we embed into our policies and systems.
Our Policy
In line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, we base our human rights policy commitment on the International Bill of Human Rights (consisting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights) and the principles concerning fundamental rights set out in the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. We follow the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and are a founding signatory to the United Nations Global Compact. We are committed to respecting all internationally recognised human rights as relevant to our operations.
Our principle is that where national law and international human rights standards differ, we will follow the higher standard; where they are in conflict, we will adhere to national law, while seeking ways to respect international human rights to the greatest extent possible.
Our Vision
Briiv's vision is to double the size of the business, whilst reducing our environmental footprint and increasing our positive social impact.
Our Code of Business Principles states that we “conduct our operations with honesty, integrity and openness, and with respect for the human rights and interests of our employees and that we shall similarly respect the legitimate interests of those with whom we have relationships.”
In our business dealings we expect our partners to adhere to business principles consistent with our own. We prohibit discrimination, forced, trafficked and child labour and are committed to safe and healthy working conditions and the dignity of the individual. Also the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining and effective information and consultation procedures.
We conduct our Security operations in alignment with the Group Security Framework, national legal requirements and international standards. We recognise the importance of land rights. We are committed to the principle of free, prior and informed consent, and support its implementation by national authorities.
Responsible Sourcing
We have a large and diverse extended supply chain and we recognise the critical role our suppliers play in helping us to source responsibly and sustainably. Our Responsible Sourcing Policy sets out our expectations with regards to the respect for the human rights, including labour rights, of the workers in our extended supply chain.
We will only work with suppliers who implement our Responsible Sourcing Policy. They must agree to ensure transparency, to remedy any shortcomings, and to drive continuous improvement.
Our Responsible Sourcing Policy contains clear requirements and guidance on grievance mechanisms.
Addressing Human Rights Impacts
We recognise that we must take steps to identify and address any actual or potential adverse impacts with which we may be involved whether directly or indirectly through our own activities or our business relationships. We manage these risks by integrating the responses to our due diligence into our policies and internal systems, acting on the findings, tracking our actions, and communicating with our stakeholders about how we address impacts.
We understand that human rights due diligence is an ongoing process that requires particular attention at certain stages in our business activities, such as when we form new partnerships or our operating conditions change, as these changes may create new potential or actual impacts on human rights.
In certain countries where we operate, there are particularly high, systemic risks of human rights abuses. We understand that this means that we must put in place additional due diligence to assess these risks and address them effectively, where appropriate, using our leverage to work either in one-to-one relationships or in broad-based partnerships.
We recognise the importance of dialogue with our employees, workers and external stakeholders who are or could potentially be affected by our actions. We pay particular attention to individuals or groups who may be at greater risk of negative human rights impacts due to their vulnerability or marginalisation and recognise that women and men may face different risks.
Remedy
We place importance on the provision of effective remedy wherever human rights impacts occur through company-based grievance mechanisms. We continue to build the awareness and knowledge of our employees and workers on human rights, including labour rights, encouraging them to speak up, without retribution, about any concerns they may have, including through our grievance channels. We are committed to continue increasing the capacity of our management to effectively identify and respond to concerns. We also promote the provision of effective grievance mechanisms by our suppliers.
Empowering Women through Rights, Skills and Opportunities
Around the world many women face discrimination and disadvantage, lack access to skills and training, and face roadblocks to their active participation in the economy. They often lack the protection of basic rights and laws. Poverty, discrimination and violence against women are major barriers to opportunity.
Women are integral to our business model and growth ambitions. We seek to manage and grow socially responsible businesses where women participate on an equal basis. We believe that women’s rights and economic inclusion are priorities to win long-term.
Our approach starts with the respect of the rights of women and extends to their promotion as well as helping to develop skills and open up opportunities, both in our own operations and our value chain.
Our Governance
Our work in this area is overseen by Briiv's Chief Executive Officer, supported by Briiv's Leadership Executive including the Chief Supply Chain Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and the Chief Legal Officer and also the Chief Sustainability Officer and the Global Vice President for Social Impact. This ensures that every part of our business is clear about the responsibility to respect human rights. Board-level oversight is provided by the Corporate Responsibility Committee of Briiv.
Going Forward
We believe that our products bring many positive benefits, particularly in the areas of health and sanitation. As part of our ambition to Enhance Livelihoods, we state our commitment to Fairness in the Workplace, Opportunities for Women and Inclusive Business.
We continually evaluate and review how best to strengthen our approach to addressing human rights, including labour rights. We believe that working through external initiatives and partnerships, for example with other industry, NGO, trade union, supplier and other business partners, is often the best way to address shared challenges.
We will track and publicly report on progress on an annual basis. This Human Rights Policy Statement consolidates our existing commitments and brings increased clarity on our processes and procedures. Its principles are implemented across our operations and value chain.