SCA supports the principles of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. The Group is committed, in accordance with its Code of Conduct, to support and respect the protection of human rights within its operations and within the company’s sphere of interest.
Assessments
Since late 2005, a total of 28 human rights assessments have been undertaken at 26 wholly owned SCA facilities and two joint venture facilities in 12 countries around the world. These assessments include implementation of SCA’s Code of Conduct, conditions of employment, salaries and other benefits (pensions, medical insurance, etc.), relations between the company, its employees and their representatives, ethical business practice, community involvement, and health and safety issues.
The assessments are focused on countries identified as having higher risks of substandard working conditions based on the input of human rights groups and other NGOs. The assessments are based on personal interviews as well as quantitative and qualitative data.
The results provide valuable insight into working conditions at SCA’s facilities and an opportunity to evaluate on-site compliance with the Code of Conduct. During 2005/6 assessments were undertaken in Russia, China, Malaysia, Poland, Mexico and Colombia. Two non-compliances identified in Mexico and Malaysia were subsequently addressed.
During 2007, 17 assessments were undertaken in China, Singapore, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Greece, Spain, Czech Republic and Hungary. These assessments identified two violations of SCA’s Code of Conduct related to health and safety at production sites in Greece. Business group management is currently developing an action plan to achieve compliance.
The conclusion of the 2007 assessment reports is that while areas for improvement were identified, SCA’s facilities in general are of a high standard and conduct their operations in compliance with the Code of Conduct. This picture is consistent with earlier assessments.