Implementing the Human Rights Policy Commitment to Business Partnerships
• Human rights principles should be integral to a company's business practices.
• Managers should discuss the company's human rights policy with counterparts and set expectations regarding human rights in collaborations and agreements.
• Respect for human rights can be leveraged and prioritized in all company activities.
Examples of Commodity Trading Company Supplier Contract Anti-Slavery Clause
• Supplier must comply with all applicable anti-slavery and human trafficking laws and the Company Supplier Code of Conduct.
• Supplier must not be convicted of any offence involving slavery and human trafficking and have made reasonable enquiries about any investigation, inquiry, or enforcement proceedings.
Example General Compliance Clause
• Large trading companies include a general compliance clause stating that each party will comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
• Policies and procedures aim to ensure compliance with laws and regulations relating to fraud, corruption, money laundering, sanctions, and human rights violations.
Example Supplier Code of Conduct
• A trading company expects its suppliers to act in accordance with a supplier code of conduct covering legal and ethical compliance, human rights and labour, supply chain responsibility, environmental laws, and health and safety.
• Suppliers should adhere to local health and safety laws and work towards safeguarding the health and safety of their employees.
Applying Human Rights Commitments to Commodity Purchase Agreements and Shipping Companies
Commodity Purchase Agreements:
• Trading companies include human rights expectations in contracts with commodity suppliers.
• The Code of Conduct reflects these standards, making compliance a contractual obligation.
• Terms include the right to terminate business in case of serious breaches and the need for effective grievance mechanisms.
• Monitoring of these provisions is agreed through internal monitoring systems, on-the-ground assessments/audits by the trading company, or third-party on-the-ground audits.
Commitment to Agreements with Shipping Companies:
• Commodity trading companies should adapt agreements to respect the rights and freedoms of those working on-board.
• Requirements include compliance with the ILO labor convention, decent on-board working and living conditions agreements, monthly pay, work limits, repatriation costs, specific living accommodation and recreational facilities, and prompt medical care for seafarers.
• Companies should adopt or encourage the Delivering on seafarers’ rights Code of Conduct.
• When transporting cargo through conflict-prone or dangerous waters, private security companies should adhere to the International Code of Conduct