HRIA in the supply chain

Small and medium enterprises often conduct only a small part of the production process this means that their business activities are often linked with the practices of other companies. To increase sustainability and human rights compliance within the company's sphere of influence it is important that SMEs consider sustainable supply chain management.

By means of  sustainable supply chain management an SME is able to identify human rights challenges in its supply chain and it can take concrete action to help suppliers achieve a better human rights record. For example SMEs can add a binding appendix on human rights standards to a business contract or it can support the introduction of a code of conduct into the business policies. It is often not an easy task for SMEs to encourage suppliers to increase their human rights standards, therefore practical information is developed to assist companies in the process of introducing and expanding human rights compliance in their supply chain.

The Danish Institute for Human Rights has outlined guidelines for SMEs on sustainable supply chain management. For example on how to develop a code of conduct for your suppliers, how to implement human rights standards in the supply chain and how to screen your suppliers on human rights compliance. More information can be found here.

For more information, consultancy, support and advice on HRIA in the supply chain for SMEs, please click here. 

“CSR is a process whereby a company assumes responsibility, across it’s entire supply chain, for the social, ecological and economic consequences of the company’s activities, reports on these consequences, and constructively engages with stakeholders.” (MVO platform)