Germany's REWE Group has published its 'Human Rights' policy statement, with which the group outlines its commitment to human rights in both its direct business activities and global supply chains.
The human rights policy statement is based on a number of 'hot spot' analyses prepared in cooperation with independent experts to identify potential risks for human rights violations.
In addition, it includes internationally recognised standards and guidelines such as the UN's Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Children's Rights Conventions and the principles of the United Nations Global Compact.
REWE Group has identified child and forced labour, income right, working hours, discrimination, freedom of association and occupational health and safety as key target areas of the policy.
Variety Of Measures
"In order to live up to our responsibility for fair trade, we rely on a variety of measures, including the training of our employees and concrete requirements for suppliers and service providers", says Daniela Büchel, Divisional Board HR/Sustainability Trading Germany of the REWE Group.
"Additionally, we are aiming to implement an independent grievance mechanism in relevant supply chains by 2025. With that we will be able to anticipate negative developments very early".
REWE is also involved in industry initiatives beyond its own activities, with which it sees opportunities for long-lasting successful developments to be initiated, which are then accompanied by independent certification organisations.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Jana Zimmermann. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
