Morrisons response to Oxfam's analysis of supermarket HRIAs and commitments
We recognise the value of human rights impact assessments (HRIA) to identify and mitigate negative impacts and have conducted two HRIAs (in partnership with Ergon) into coffee supply chains in Brazil and Peru. Following the impact assessments, Ergon developed a series of recommendations for Morrisons to mitigate identified negative impacts and create or enhance potential positive impacts. These recommendations were then workshopped with Morrisons colleagues, including representatives of the ethical trade team and the buying team, and are being taken forward where feasible. In many respects our approach is in line with Oxfam recommendations, for example the focus on higher risk supply chains; the engagement of an independent and qualified third party; and the involvement of higher management and buying departments in the HRIA process. We have not been able to deliver three HRIAs as originally intended due to the redirection of resources into practical action to mitigate human rights risks in other areas.
