Companies face human rights issues and risks in their supply chain, as purchasers of goods and services from other companies which may be associated with poor human rights practice or controversy.
The issues identified in the “Core Operations” section may also apply to the supplier companies. Click on the links below to see information on these issues:
Companies can address issues in their supply chain in a number of ways. These include:
Audits
Suppliers can be audited on social and environmental grounds to ensure that they meet particular standards required by the purchasing company. Best-practice standard audits will be comprehensive and involve review by independent third parties.
Visits
Ad hoc visits to supplier locations can be carried out by the purchasing company, or by a third party representative on its behalf, to check that standards are being upheld.
Contracts
Contractual agreements between suppliers and the company can contain specific human rights protection or performance clauses. Human rights requirements may form part of the invitation to tender process.
Action Plans
Companies can engage with their suppliers to support them in making changes over time in areas where required standards are not met.
