STEP 2: Develop a policy and/or statement for your business which references international human rights standards and conventions
It is important for a business to look first at its strategy and core values and then develop a human rights policy that is appropriate. A precursor is to assess the core values of the business against international human rights to ensure there is compatibility. This will help ensure the human rights policy is well integrated into the business and is not a bolt-on.
Ideally the human rights policy/public statement should:
- Include an explicit commitment to respect human rights
- Identify its scope relative to business operations - what it includes and what it does not
- Outline key standards, guidelines and references (including sector specific)
- Identify rights most relevant to your business (the Business and Human Rights Matrix can be used to assist in this process) and specify commitments under each policy area
- Identify and signpost to other related policies e.g., supply chain, security personnel, marketing, social and environmental, health and safety, corporate governance, etc.
- Make sure it is practical to implement and measure. It must be written in easily comprehensible language and translated as appropriate
- Involve stakeholders in its development and periodic review