In January this year, we have published a comprehensive summary of our view on the Kallo case, please find it here, the information provided here is also our response to the articles published by [The Rappler].

A short update is available here.

"...Borealis has zero tolerance for any malpractice and puts stringent measures in place to mitigate related risks. The Group feels deeply sorry for the victims who have suffered maltreatment and disrespect of their basic human rights and has offered – to the extent legally allowed – its financial aid to support the organisations in charge, to provide them with physical and mental health support, safe shelter, help gaining official work permits or, if they prefer, relocating them.

Upon becoming aware that the authorities were investigating, Borealis immediately offered support and provided all requested information to the authorities, in full transparency.

After being informed of the alleged human trafficking practices by the IREM group and its subcontractors, Borealis took the following immediate measures.

The Group established a Crisis management team led by the relevant Executive Board member Philippe Roodhooft, conducted thorough internal checks, launched audits and inspections of other contractors and took other actions to improve monitoring and speaking-up related to its contractors’ business conduct.

Borealis also encouraged both internal and external stakeholders to use the Borealis Ethics Hotline, through which victims can also submit their grievances. All reports received via this Hotline were handled with the utmost priority and in line with legal requirements.

Borealis immediately suspended and later terminated all contracts with the IREM group companies, due to their non-compliance with the fundamental principles of contract. Borealis then retendered the contracts. Given the size of the contracts that Borealis had to terminate, more than 1,000 workers were affected and were unable to continue their work at the Kallo construction site..."