If you work for an (international) company, you have probably noticed that the entire business chain is not always transparent. Do you have any idea of the extent of your responsibility when it comes to combating child labor in that chain? In this article you can read which practical steps you can take to gain more insight. You can also read what is expected of a company in this regard.
Did you know that legislation is coming that requires a company to make the business chain transparent in the fight against child labor? This is an extra motivation to start this process soon.
Reducing child labour remains an urgent challenge in many procurement chains. Especially given the upcoming legislation and regulations, such as the CSRD and the CSDDD, which not only require data and transparency, but certainly also action. Given the complexity surrounding child labour, a sectoral approach is necessary. A joint approach has a greater impact on reducing the risk of child labour. Collaboration within organisations is also necessary. It does not only affect procurement, it concerns the value chain of companies.
From what point on is an organization responsible?
Every company has the responsibility from the beginning of the business chain, from the source, the place where raw materials come from, to your position in the chain, in the organization. However, this does differ per company and sector. If purchasing, trading or selling products from risk countries is part of the core business, you clearly have more influence on tackling child labor.
See what the largest product group is
To determine what your chain looks like, you first need to know where your products or raw materials come from. Now, this is easier to determine for an importer of cocoa beans, for example, than for a hardware store. Some companies have a wide range of products. In that case, it is important to look at the origin of the largest product group that you offer.
Make a list of your suppliers
Next, make a list of the suppliers you work with. Do you have one supplier that supplies multiple products or do all the products come from different suppliers and do you know exactly where your suppliers get their products or raw materials from? Bundle this information.
Look at the origin of products and raw materials
If you purchase a product from a supplier, it does not necessarily mean that this supplier also gets the product directly from the source. There may be several links before this. The best way to find this out is to talk to your suppliers and find out the origin of the products.
Talk to your suppliers
Not all suppliers are always eager to be open about where they get their raw materials and products from. If you have a link in your chain that does not want to cooperate, you will have to see if you can work around that link. In this video you can see how fellow entrepreneurs trace the origin of products and raw materials: Where do your raw materials and products come from – YouTube
Make agreements with your suppliers
Make explicit agreements with your suppliers about preventing and combating child labour. You do this in a written contract or code of conduct. You read in the plan of action what to look out for when drawing up a code of conductIn addition, there are more concrete action points and tips.
Ensure a living wage
A living wage is a wage that every worker should earn to provide for his basic needs and to build up a financial buffer. If parents are paid too little, child labour is quickly lurking.
By the way, did you know that a living wage is a human right?
You don't have to do it alone, ask for advice
There is a lot of support available. Take contact without obligation with an independent advisor. You will receive first-line advice and will be referred to other forms of support and possible partners.
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