Human rights

We recognise that issues related to the cultural heritage of indigenous communities affected by our operations, particularly those living in or close to forests, need to be addressed in a sensitive manner. We aim to resolve these issues in a spirit of respect, trust and dialogue.

Addressing human rights issues is the responsbility of line management.

Principles and compliance

We subscribe to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. This is embodied in our sustainable development management system (SDMS) which ensures the provision of a fair, safe and healthy workplace for all employees, free from discrimination, harassment or abuse. See our website for further information. No incidents of discrimination were reported during the year under review.

We are a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and ensure alignment of our policies and practices with the UNGC principles. We furthermore encourage our suppliers, customers and business partners to work in accordance with these principles. The UNGC principles are embedded in our sustainable development management system (SDMS), a mechanism for ensuring strong governance throughout our operations and implementing our policies, standards and requirements. We report our compliance and commitment relating to human rights, labour, environmental and anti-corruption issues on an annual basis. Our annual report to the UNGC, reflecting our compliance and commitment, as well as our Communication on Progress (COP), is available on our website.

In line with the Fundamental Rights Conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), to which we subscribe, all employees are free to bargain collectively and can join a trade union of their choice. See the People section for more information. Our labour standards ensure that our remuneration systems are fair. We prohibit the employment of under-age labour and we do not procure goods or services from suppliers who use child labour. We do not engage in forced or compulsory labour and none of our operations are deemed to be at risk in this regard. We have developed a Code of Conduct for Mondi Group suppliers that requires their adherence to these principles.

Respect for communities and indigenous people

We recognise the rights of indigenous people and are committed to their fair treatment and, where necessary, to the restitution of historical injustices even if these are not of our own making.

Our Community Engagement Programmes (CEPs) form the basis for constructive dialogue with neighbouring communities, ensuring that their voices are heard. Our CEPs are typically based on the findings of comprehensive socio-economic assessment toolbox (SEAT) reports which ensure that our corporate social investment programmes meet the most pressing needs of local people. See the Society section for further information.

No incidents of violations of the rights of indigenous people were reported or alleged during the year.

Last change: 23/08/2011