A clear commitment to ethical business practices and principles form the basis for responsible business conduct. At Siemens, we respect and promote human rights in our business relations and across the entire value chain.
As a global company, we are aware of our social responsibility and are fully committed to respecting human rights along the entire value chain. We regard this as a central element of integrity and responsible corporate governance.
Our holistic approach to respecting human rights encompasses our operations and considers our supply chain and customer-related business activities. We aim to identify and assess adverse impacts as early as possible and mitigate those responsibly.
Our Business Conduct Guidelines clearly state our commitment to respect human rights. They contain the fundamental principles and rules governing the way we act and do business.
Our Code of Conduct for Siemens suppliers and third-party intermediaries is based on – among others – the UN Global Compact and the principles of the International Labor Organization.
We are committed to performing due diligence in the supply chain and have implemented a uniform and enterprise-wide process to determine the use, source and origin of certain minerals.
As part of implementing its human rights and environmental due diligence, Siemens is subject to the requirements of the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (LkSG). With our Human Rights Policy Statement, we are outlining the company's strategy for the protection of human rights and the fulfilment of its environment-related obligations. You can find additional, detailed Information on the implementation of the law at Siemens in our BAFA Report.
Human rights due diligence can only be effective if the material topics are known, periodically re-assessed and integrated in a systematic due diligence approach.
This is why we turn to our findings from our stakeholder consultations, our periodic dialogues with key stakeholders, such as investors, shareholders, employees, customers and NGOs as well as our findings from grievance channels or sustainability audits.
We are committed to identifying and addressing human rights impacts, taking preventive and mitigating measures, ensuring transparent reporting and continuously improving our environmental, social and human rights due diligence to meet stakeholder expectations and regulations.
The maintenance of sustainable supply chains is one of our guiding principles. Siemens expects its to commit to the obligation of the Siemens Group Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Third-Party Intermediaries. It reinforces the fundamental human rights of our suppliers' employees. Special attention is paid to preventively assess potential risks in areas such as child labor, forced labor, labor and environmental practices.
Our human rights due diligence is organized through established management systems and processes. Specific attention is given to the prevention of discrimination, sexual harassment or other personal attacks on individuals or groups. In addition, the principles of equal opportunities and equal treatment are embraced regardless of skin color, ethnic or social origin, religion, age, disability, sexual identity, ideology or gender. Also, we have further strengthened our occupational health and safety management with the company-wide Healthy @ Siemens and Zero Harm Culture @ Siemens programs.
We have introduced an optimized environmental, social and human rights due diligence tool (ESG Radar) to support us in identifying and assessing potential adverse impacts and derive mitigation pathways based on the business activities risk profiles and our leverage potential. Over 60 relevant risk indicators in relation to country, sector, counterpart and location risks are getting assessed prior to engaging in contractual agreements with our customers or other counterparts. The tool has been developed in collaboration with external human rights experts. We have integrated the systematic ESG and human rights review in our overall due diligence process for mergers & acquisitions, where negative impacts and risks are being assessed in a proactive manner. This is also valid for divestments and joint ventures.
We help ensure that crucial issues are identified and dealt with at an early stage so that risks to people can be better managed and potential damage can be better prevented. At Siemens, we provide different reporting channels for internal and external whistleblowers to report alleged incidences of violations and implement remedial measures.
Complaints about existing or potential violations of human rights or environmental obligations at Siemens or in the supply chain of Siemens - also relating to the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act - can be reported via the reporting channels „Tell Us“ and the Siemens ombudsperson: Siemens Complaint Procedure Rules
Human rights capacity building is essential to establish a corporate culture that promotes values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage all individuals to uphold their own rights and those of others. Furthermore, it helps to raise awareness on areas of concern where people’s rights may be put at risk. We develop targeted and function specific training concepts with the support of external experts and partners.
As part of our yearly Sustainability Reporting, we are determined to provide transparency on our progress with regards to our human rights activities. In our Sustainability Report, we provide disclosure on the management and responsibilities regarding human rights issues, our continuous improvement measures, our human rights due diligence approach along the entire value chain, our commitment to human rights and international standards, our grievance mechanisms as well as our global business alliance platforms. Throughout the year, we are in exchange with key stakeholder, such as investors, shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers and non-governmental organizations to ensure effective exchange on human rights related topics.
Regular dialogue with peer provides a platform for an in-depth exchange on human rights issues. We find it vital to discuss challenges and solutions, address conflicting goals and identify opportunities for collaboration to achieve faster, more effective progress together.
The Global Business Initiative on Human Rights: GBI is a global business initiative aimed at advancing corporate respect for human rights through peer learning and by strengthening business practice.
The UNGC calls on companies to align strategies and operations with universal principles in areas such as human rights, labour and environment to advance societal goals.
econsense is a network of internationally operating companies with a common goal: actively shaping the change to a more sustainable economy and equal and prosperous society.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights aims to strengthen the worldwide movement for human rights by providing a place to reflect on the past, transform the present and inspire the future.
