Sweden

2. The corporate responsibility to respect

In keeping with the UN Guiding Principles, businesses’ human rights efforts are expected to include the following main points:

Policy [page 14]

• Compliance with all applicable legislation and respect for human rights wherever they operate
• Policy statement, approved at the highest level, on respect for internationally recognised human rights, including the ILO core conventions, in the company’s operations
• Establish a clear set of values as the basis for the company’s human rights work, which should permeate the company’s business culture and external relationships and be made publicly available
• Clearly demonstrate the participation, engagement and responsibility of the senior level in respect for human rights throughout the organisation in Sweden and abroad

Procedure 

• Identify and monitor the risks throughout the value chain (employees, business partners, suppliers, distribution and customer channels) and assess where responsibility for risks lies and how the company can have a positive impact
• Establish an integrated and ongoing process in the company to identify, prevent and manage human rights risks and opportunities, as appropriate to the size, nature and context of the operations, i.e. due diligence
• Conduct a structured, meaningful and regular dialogue with the company’s employees and trade unions, and with the company’s key stakeholders in the community
• Cooperate and consult with other relevant companies and organisations on common human rights challenges
• Operate strategically, set objectives and follow up the company’s own activities to ensure their effectiveness

Reporting

• Be transparent, i.e. report on and communicate the risks and opportunities facing the company, as well as its impact on society, both favourable and adverse
• Introduce guidelines on internal whistleblowing
• Put in place processes to remediate adverse impacts.