The Consumer Goods Forum‘s Human Rights Coalition (HRC) has published a report outlining the progress made by its members in developing due diligence systems aimed at preventing forced labour.
The report, Maturity Journey Framework for Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Systems Focused on Forced Labour in Own Operations, which was published to coincide with UN Human Rights Day on 10 December, forms part of the coalition’s ‘commitment to transparently shine a light on steps taken and important challenges ahead’, it said in a statement.
As it notes, some 91% of member companies have reached what the coalition defines as ‘maturity’ in the development of human rights due diligence processes within their operations.
This assessment is based on a six-step pathway that companies use individually to evaluate governance, policies, risk assessment, mitigation plans and worker input, as well as identify their own progress and the path forward.
‘A simple truth’
“This report underscores a simple truth: tackling forced labour starts with strong governance, clear expectations, and leaders willing to hold their own organisations accountable,” commented John Ross, CEO of IGA and a CGF board member and coalition sponsor. “By making this assessment public, the Human Rights Coalition shows how important it is to keep due diligence front and centre.”
The HRC brings together manufacturers and retailers that represent a combined $1.7 trillion in annual revenue, and operate global supply chains involving millions of workers and suppliers.
While progress has been made, the report also calls for future efforts to scale remedy systems (to address harm and restore the rights of impacted workers), strengthen consistency in assessment practices, and develop feedback cycles that feed directly into company decision making.
‘Collaborative action’
“I’m proud that the Human Rights Coalition members have individually strengthened governance, clarified responsibilities and taken steps to identify and act on risk, following collaborative action through the Coalition,” added Wai-Chan Chan, managing director of The Consumer Goods Forum.
“I look forward to seeing how the wider consumer goods sector can pick up these recommended best practices, supporting not only workers across the globe, but also helping deliver against strategic business priorities and meet key company commitments.”
HRC members include Ahold Delhaize, APP Group, The Coca Cola Company, Colgate-Palmolive, Danone, Ferrero, Flora Food Group, Haleon, Heineken, IGA, Jerónimo Martins, L’Oréal, The Lindt & Sprüngli Group, Lipton Teas & Infusions, Mars, Inc., McDonald’s Corporation, Mondelēz International, Neste, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Tesco Unilever, Walmart and Woolworths Group. Read more here.
