Given our size and reach, this is a massive undertaking. That is why we remain steadily committed to upholding the human rights values embedded within our integrity policy, The Spirit & The Letter, and our Statement of Principles on Human Rights.
Guided by these standards, GE strives to create an environment considerate of employees in all countries in which we operate. We work together with industry experts and governmental groups to strengthen the processes already in place, and develop new ones when the global business environment evolves.
GE STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Our Statement of Principles on Human Rights has been guided by input we received from global stakeholders and GE compliance leaders, policy owners and others. The results represent our firm commitment to advancing human rights processes within the company both now and over the coming years.
Our Commitment
GE, as a business enterprise, promotes the advancement of fundamental human rights. We support the principles contained in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR), mindful that it is primarily addressed to nations but understanding that business has an important role to play. GE has joined with other companies to find practical ways of applying within the business community the broad principles established in the Declaration.
Our Actions
We endeavor to fulfill this commitment in part by leading by example — influencing our employees and business partners through actions consistent with policies contained in The Spirit & The Letter. GE supports our commitment by:
In Our Management Capacity
RESPECTING the human rights of our employees as established in the ILO's (International Labour Organization) Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, including non-discrimination, prohibitions against child and forced labor, freedom of association and the right to engage in collective bargaining.
PROVIDING security consistent with the intent of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, as well as the laws of the countries in which we operate, retaining security services for preventative or defensive purposes with instructions to use force only when necessary and to an extent proportional to the threat.
In Our Business Capacity
DEVELOPING and offering products, including those that meet human needs for power, water and medical care, with due regard for fundamental human rights and a sustainable environment.
With Our Direct Business Partners
INCORPORATING appropriate principles of The Spirit & The Letter into contracts with suppliers, business partners and distributors.
MONITORING adherence by key suppliers in emerging markets to environmental, health and safety standards, prohibitions against forced and child labor, and local wage and hour laws.
EVALUATING human rights issues involving our direct business partners particularly in emerging markets and considering practical responses within the relevant context.
ADVANCING application of the ILO Declaration through engagement and collaboration.
In the Community
SERVING as a positive influence in communities in which we operate, demonstrating by our actions our belief that human rights violations are unacceptable.
ASSESSING, as appropriate, the impact on affected local communities of major infrastructure project financing.
Our Spirit & Letter integrity policies address key human rights topics such as non-discrimination, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, and environment, health and safety. We actively promote two-way communication through our ombudsperson program to align our actions with our policies.
BUSINESS LEADERS INITIATIVE ON HUMAN RIGHTS
GE Joins as the 13th Member
GE has united with BLIHR to further our common goals of strengthening and promoting human rights principles in business management.