ALDI published position statement on mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence Legislation
The ALDI SOUTH Group and ALDI Nord published their “International Position Statement on Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence Legislation” in order to contribute to realising human rights of all workers along supply chains. ALDI calls for an open dialogue about a mandatory human right due diligence legislation and commits to support the development of future legislation.
As an international group of companies with global supply chains, ALDI is aware of the responsibility to respect human rights: these rights are non-negotiable and apply equally to each of us. However, human rights violations are a global problem affecting every economy, industry, and sector. Most human rights issues are of a complex and systemic nature. Over a number of years, ALDI has been working with its business partners and stakeholders to increase its leverage and align approaches on human rights due diligence.
In 2018, the ALDI SOUTH Group and ALDI Nord published a Human Rights Policy Statement in which they publicly committed to respect human rights along their supply chains. Now the time has come to take the next step and strive for mandatory legislation. In the recently published position statement, ALDI calls for an open and inclusive dialogue on the design of a mandatory human right due diligence legislation.
“We offer our knowledge, experience and our commitment as a global business to enable the development of mandatory legislation that delivers impact-focused due diligence. We are convinced that legislation can effectively contribute to realising human rights in supply chains. But only if we engage in real collaboration, align the scope of due diligence with the ‘UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP)’, ensure practicality and strive for an international alignment.”
- Erik Hollmann, Director Corporate Responsibility/ Quality Assurance International at ALDI Nord.
Great potential for positive change
The introduction of impact-oriented corporate mandatory due diligence in legislation is an important building block for the realisation of human rights along complex international supply chains. ALDI sees great potential in the legislation as it encourages stakeholders to join the sustainability movement and engage in collaborative approaches.
“Every business needs to take responsibility for their impact on human rights. ALDI is committed to support the human rights due diligence framework, as we believe that legislation is critical to bring all companies to the same standard. We are looking forward to a time when all companies respect the human rights of all workers in their supply chains.“
- Anke Ehlers, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility International at the ALDI SOUTH Group.
You can read the position statement here: “International Position Statement on Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence Legislation”
