Introduction
Human rights and sustainable value creation
Siemens adds value to society in nearly every country in the world through our products and solutions, sustainable and responsible business practices, thought leadership and strategic partnership activities, and targeted community initiatives. Our activities directly and indirectly affect huge numbers of people. We are aware of the responsibilities resulting from this global impact and fully accept our responsibility to ensure respect for human rights in our activities worldwide. For us, this is a core element of responsible business conduct and therefore an integral part of our “Business to Society” concept.
Our basic attitude
"We respect the personal dignity, privacy, and personal rights of every individual. We work together with individuals of various ethnic backgrounds, cultures, religions, ages, disabilities, races, sexual identity, world view and gender."
This principle is firmly anchored in our Business Conduct Guidelines. They set forth the fundamental principles and rules governing the way we act within our company and in relation to our partners and the general public.
Policies and Commitments
Conventions and recommendations recognized worldwide
In addition to local laws and statutory requirements in individual countries, there are several important conventions and recommendations issued by international organizations. They are primarily directed toward member states rather than individual companies. Nonetheless, they also serve as guiding principles for global companies as well as for the behavior of their employees. Siemens endorses the stipulations contained in these conventions and recommendations. Their basic principles are reflected in our Business Conduct Guidelines.The principles of the United Nations
Siemens has been a participant of the Global Compact since 2003, and regards the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact, as well as the rules laid down in the framework agreement of the International Metalworkers’ Federation (IMF), as binding for the entire company. Otherwise, the company’s internal arbitration arrangements apply. Furthermore, Siemens is committed to implementing the UN Guiding Principles as the global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse human rights impacts linked to the company’s business activities within our value chain.
Siemens therefore expects its employees, suppliers and business partners worldwide to recognize and apply the following guidelines:
Responsibility
Our guidelines and principles
Building on our Business Conduct Guidelines, we have defined the respect of human rights in additional guidelines and principles. Our focus is on fundamental employee rights, the code of conduct for our suppliers and third-party intermediaries, and the handling of conflict minerals in our supply chain.
Focus topics
Human rights due diligence
In the context of large infrastructure projects, it becomes apparent that human rights such as right to adequate standard of living, right to life, right to self-determination, right to freedom of expression are human rights potentially at risk for indigenous and vulnerable communities. Therefore, Siemens has derived human rights related focus topics, such as community impacts, labour practices and modern slavery in project business on the basis of a human rights risk mapping exercise which we have conducted with internal and external stakeholders.
Controversial projects
Siemens holding statements
Companies that are involved in big infrastructure projects run the risk of being criticized for their participation in projects that are facing allegations with respect to human rights violations. For the purpose of transparency we comment on the allegations we are facing.
Collaborations
