Are items procured by UNICEF produced with regard to human rights?
UNICEF applies the highest international standards of social responsibility, ethical procurement, safety and regulatory compliance in all the products we procure and deliver. We select our suppliers fairly, openly and transparently, and our procurement practices are based on the highest ethical principles of trust, teamwork, honesty, and respect for the rights and dignity of others. We systematically conduct social and quality audits, product testing, and quality control inspections.
Our commitment extends to ensuring our suppliers conform to the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact which outlines a set of core values in respect of human rights, labour standards, including child labour provisions, the environment and anti-corruption policies.
Suppliers must sign a statement acknowledging terms and conditions related to child labour provisions when they bid, and again when they sign a contract with UNICEF. If at any stage UNICEF discovers that a supplier breaches its contract and contravenes the agreed policies, the contract is terminated and the supplier is blocked from further business with UNICEF.