There are different human rights issues that both large and smaller companies are faced with when operating abroad. Some examples are:

• Health and safety on the workfloor;
• Child labor;
• Equal rights for women and minorities;
• Rights of community members;
• Freedom of association.

There is a business case for human rights. Advantages are for example:

• Satisfied employees;
• Reduced costs; like an increase in sick leave;
• Positive impact on the produtivity;
• Stronger market position;
• Better access to credit;
• Good reputation.

Aim for human rights assists SMEs to respect, protect and promote human rights within their sphere of influence. We offer the following services to SMEs:

• Advice on human rights on the workfloor, within the supply chain and the broader sphere of influence;
• Support in the use of the human rights and business tools;
• Tailor made advice on the implementation of human rights within the company;
• Training in the field of human rights and business.

SMEs in fact account for up to 90% of all registered firms in the global economy. Many Dutch SMEs have facilities, partners or joint ventures in developing countries. Besides, some companies outsource part of their production to companies in low wage countries. The human rights dilemmas that SMEs are faced with do not differ much of those of multinationals. However, the scale and nature of the dilemmas require a slightly different approach. Aim for human rights notices that there are unique chances for sectors of the Dutch SME to deal with these dilemmas.

For more information about the Human Rights and SME project please contact Saskia Berends by phone +31 (0)30 233 40 27 or e-mail.