Lidl response re forced labour in Spain
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We have been working in partnership with our fruit and vegetable suppliers for many years. We require our growers to be certified according to the internationally recognised GlobalG.A.P. GRASP or an equivalent standard, which covers, among other things, occupational safety, health protection and social concerns of workers...
Our due diligence also includes investigating potential cases of labour rights violations and taking specific measures together with our business partners to resolve abuses in a sustainable way. Just like other major retailers in the industry, we strive to achieve better conditions and transparency in our supply chain and appeal for an overarching industry-wide solution for a level playing field and transfer of knowledge. Additionally, the use of industry solutions instead of individual stand-alone solutions is explicitly described and welcomed by the legislator. In line with this, Lidl is involved in a joint industry initiative on complaints mechanisms to ensure their successful and effective implementation.
In addition, Lidl conducts in-depth risk assessments, so-called Human Rights Impact Assessments (HRIAs), according to internationally recognized standards. HRIAs are considered as an important step in gaining a clearer understanding of the indirect and direct impacts of our business activities within a selected supply chain in order to also identify negative impacts on human rights and effectively minimize them with the help of a time-bound action plan.
Among other things, we have already carried out a HRIA in the supply chain for Spanish berries.
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[full response attached]