One Simple Action that Combats Human Rights Abuse

Ever wonder if there’s a simple action your company can take to combat child labor, modern day slavery and other workplace human rights abuses in developing countries? Good news! There is.

You can shift your corporate purchasing to products are certified to be free of human rights abuses by third parties. These certifications provide independent verification that products have been produced in compliance with certain social and environmental standards. By purchasing certified products you will move from perpetuating existing human rights abuses to combatting them. Following are the principal bodies that certify products:

• Fairtrade International: Fairtrade certification ensures that workers are paid a fair wage, have safe working conditions, and are not subject to discrimination or forced labor.
  
• Rain Forest Alliance: Rain Forest Alliance certification ensures that products are produced in a way that protects the environment and supports the communities where they are grown.
  
• B Corporation: B Corporation certification is awarded to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. B Corporations are committed to using business as a force for good and creating value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
  
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS is a certification program that sets standards for organic textiles, including cotton, wool and silk. GOTS certification ensures that textiles are made in an environmentally and socially responsible way, from the growing of the raw materials to the final product.
  
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): FSC is a certification program that promotes responsible forest management and ensures that products made from wood and paper come from sustainable and responsibly managed forests.
  
• Social Accountability International (SAI): SAI is a certification program that focuses on improving working conditions and promoting social responsibility in the workplace. SAI certification covers a wide range of industries, including apparel, electronics, and food and beverage.

Of course, all certification schemes have limitations. They may not cover all aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and will sometimes fail to ensure full compliance, for example. Nevertheless, there’s little doubt that purchasing CSR certified products is step in the right direction toward creating a just and sustainable global economy.