Siemens observes and respects local laws and statutory requirements as the legal foundation of its business activities in all the countries in which it does business. We also place great emphasis on recommendations and standards issued by national and international organizations. As a rule, these recommendations and standards are directed toward member states rather than individual companies. Nonetheless, they also serve as guiding principles for global companies like Siemens as well as for the behavior of our employees. Siemens endorses the stipulations contained in these conventions and recommendations and expects its employees, suppliers and business partners worldwide to comply with them.
Global Compact is a United Nations strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption.
Siemens has been a participant of the Global Compact since 2003, and has thus pledged to support these ten principles.
In particular, that includes supporting and promoting human rights, basic workers’ rights, environmental protection, and the fight against corruption as an integral part of the businesses’ own business strategy. In line with this obligation as part of the Global Compact, Siemens therefore expects not only its employees but also its suppliers and business partners worldwide to particularly observe the relevant guidelines.
Our progress reports on implementing the principles of the Global Compact have been contained in our Corporate Responsibility respectively Sustainability Reports since fiscal 2007.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 1948 and the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Basic Liberties from 1950 are major international guidelines on human rights.
Human rights belong equally to all people, without distinction as to race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other convictions, national or social origin, birth, or other traits. Human rights are indivisible, meaning they must be actualized in their entirety. The fundamental international source is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations (1948). First and foremost, it is states that are required to actively protect human rights and extend effective legal protection from violation. However, businesses are increasingly undertaking to comply with basic human rights in internal rules, above and beyond the laws of their locality.
The ILO’s declarations of principles are a three-part declaration of principles by the International Labour Organization (ILO) regarding multinational companies and social policy (1977) and the ILO declaration on basic principles and rights at work (1998), primarily with the following topics:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a special organization set up by the United Nations in the field of worldwide labor and social standards. ILO standards and recommendations are likewise directed at member states and cannot be directly implemented by companies. However, internal company rules increasingly make reference to individual fundamental workers’ rights and thus to individual rules of certain ILO standards and recommendations.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) brings together the governments of thirty countries around the world committed to democracy and the market economy. The objectives of the OECD include supporting sustainable economic growth and assisting with other countries’ economic development. The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (2000) contain standards on, among other things:
They define responsible business conduct and form a significant benchmark around the world for good corporate management and control. Complaints concerning infringements can be lodged at National Contact Points.
Agenda 21 is a plan of action in environment and development policy, adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. It covers all major policy areas of environmentally compatible and sustainable development. Agenda 21 is applicable for both industrial and developing countries. It contains important stipulations in areas such as:
The United Nations Convention against Corruption (also referred to as UNCAC) adopted on October 31, 2003, requires its signatories to punish various forms of corruption involving government officials and ensure cooperation at international level. The convention came into force on December 14, 2005.