Social criteria and CSR
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In previous years, many voluntary international standards have been developed in the field of corporate social responsibility. International operating companies can subscribe to these standards and increasingly do this. Not all companies have themselves the expertise to comply to the social criteria of these standards. The sustainable procurement program of the Dutch government makes it even more important for companies to develop a policy on environmental and social issues. Aim for human rights offers advice to companies that want to know where they stand in relation to these standards. This can be done through self-assessment.
International CSR standards
In recent years, many international CSR standards have been developed to which companies can subscribe. For example, many international operating companies are SA 8000 certified – an international standards in the field of labor conditions. The Global Compact, an initiative of the United Nations, is another initiative to which companies can subscribe. By subscribing they commit themselves to international environmental and social standards.
Sustainable procurement
Starting in 2010, suppliers of the Dutch government will also be selected on the basis of social and environmental criteria. Regarding the social criteria, suppliers of the Dutch government will be required to operate in compliance with the four fundamental ILO standards and business related rights of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For many companies human rights are a rather new field. Aim for human rights can assist suppliers of the Dutch government to comply with the social criteria for sustainable procurement in the following ways:
- Assist suppliers in developing a Code of Conduct (minimal requirement for suppliers of the Dutch government);
- Assist in carrying out a risk analysis of suppliers;
- Assist in the development and implementation of a work plan for the implementation of the social criteria.
More information
For more information about our consultancies pleae contact Liesbeth Unger by +31 (0)30 233 40 27 or e-mail or see consultancy human rights and business.
