Every man, woman and child is entitled to fundamental human rights, defined by international conventions such as the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Vodafone's commitment to human rights is embodied in our Business Principles. We respect and comply with all human rights legislation, regulations and standards in the countries where we operate. We welcome the work of the UN Special Representative on Business and Human Rights to help business build its understanding of human rights and explore the ways it can contribute.
We are committed to upholding the human rights of our employees, customers and the people working in our supply chain.
Employee human rights
Vodafone is committed to protecting and enhancing the human rights of our employees. Our Group employment policies are consistent with the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization's Core Conventions. They require consistent standards across the Company.
We recognise the rights of our employees to freely choose to join trade unions or similar external representative organisations. Where representation by trade unions is conferred automatically by legislation, these rights will be upheld. Local operating companies will respect the wishes of the majority of their employees in deciding whether to recognise a trade union to negotiate terms and conditions of employment, where legislation permits. We seek to work in a constructive partnership with recognised trade unions in the best interests of employees, shareholders and customers.
Vodafone does not tolerate child labour, forced or compulsory labour. Our employment policies also cover a range of related issues including health and safety, and equal opportunities and diversity.
Customer human rights
We believe that access to communications technology can support greater freedom of expression. However, new technology brings new challenges and the need to balance the right to freedom of expression with the protection of vulnerable groups, such as children.
Our customers entrust us with their personal information and the confidentiality of their private communications. The way we handle this information is a vital part of our responsibility to customers. Faced with increasing demands for surveillance in the fight against serious crime, we are sometimes called upon to assist law enforcement agencies in the interests of protecting public safety or security.
Vodafone is participating in a multi-stakeholder engagement process to draft principles on freedom of expression and privacy for the ICT industry. See privacy.
Human rights in our supply chain
With an extensive global supply chain there is a risk that some suppliers or subcontractors might not meet acceptable standards of working conditions and human rights.
Vodafone's Code of Ethical Purchasing sets out the labour, health and safety, ethical and environmental standards we expect our suppliers to meet. The Code is based on Vodafone’s values and international standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organisation’s Conventions on labour standards. See supply chain.