MODULE CONTENTS
This module covers the action plan to be implemented to mitigate risks and prevent serious human rights and environmental violations. It explains the steps to follow when a risk or violation is identified, and how to define corrective actions in cooperation with subsidiaries, subcontractors, suppliers and stakeholders. The module also presents multi-stakeholder initiatives that promote greater respect for human rights and the environment in supply chains.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The Action Plan: Mitigating Risks and Preventing Serious Harm
The action plan is a crucial stage in the corporate duty of care. Once serious risks or breaches have been identified - whether through regular assessments, audits or alerts - the company must define a progress plan to rectify the situation. This plan must include corrective actions to address the root causes of the risks, and prevent their recurrence.
Serious harm may involve human rights violations, such as child or forced labor, or environmental damage, such as pollution of waterways. Once a risk or violation has been detected, it is important to act quickly, while taking care not to cause further negative impacts on the populations concerned.
To be effective, the action plan must be implemented in cooperation with stakeholders, including trade unions, NGOs and suppliers. Multi-stakeholder initiatives such as the Fair Labor Association or the Better Cotton Initiative provide a framework for companies, NGOs and other actors to improve respect for human rights in supply chains. These initiatives often include on-site audits, certification, alert mechanisms and technical support.
In addition to external initiatives, companies must also transform their internal practices, for example by creating codes of ethics for employees and responsible purchasing codes for suppliers. Trade unions and employee representatives can also play a key role in defining and monitoring vigilance actions.
Finally, to assess the credibility of initiatives or action plans, it is essential to ensure that they cover all the human rights and environmental issues of a given sector, and that they involve a sufficient number of players to have a real impact.
