Human Rights in our DNA, says ICA

Brussels, BELGIUM – The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) celebrated with the rest of the world the Human Rights Day 2020 by reiterating to cooperators all over the world the Cooperative Identity – that co-ops are people-centered organizations. The celebration attended by more than sixty cooperators worldwide, emphasized that co-ops do not treat humans as mere commodities.

To mark the Human Rights Day, on 10th December the International Cooperative Entrepreneurship Think Tank (ICETT) conducted an online discussion on how cooperatives practice, protect and promote human rights in value chains.

Panelists from all over the world shared stories and best practices, illustrated the value of cooperatives in value chains, and how cooperatives could conduct Human Rights Due Diligence in their operations.

Tarun Bhargava of IFFCO in India shared how IFFCO conducts “People-Centric” businesses practices in its operations that involve insurance, telephony, organic farming, nanotech based agricultural inputs.

Nina Elomaa, Senior Vice President of S-ryhma/S Group in Finland practices non-discrimination, freedom of collective bargaining, workplace safety, decent working hours, no forced or child labor, and listening to workers.  She cited that with the entry of immigrants from the Middle East into Europe, some businessmen readily exploit the desperation of the immigrants.

 Rosita Zilli of European Community  of Consumer Cooperatives (EuroCoop) emphasized that co-ops must practice “ethical trade and human rights policy” that asks suppliers if they are complying with human rights standards, do not exploit their workers, women and children.

Fabienne Yver, Project Coordinator of Fairtrade Advocacy Office urged all co-ops to 1) mind purchasing practices that do not exploit workers, 2) ensure that prices paid to suppliers ultimately respect workers and the environment, and 3) empower workers.

In closing, ICA Board Member Marijaana Saarikoski said: “On this first webinar on Human Rights, we hope that the presentations have inspired you.  We are all cooperatives!  Human rights are near us.  I take the opportunity to highlight the role of women for elimination of violence against women.  Together, we are stronger.  We need each other more than ever!”

Respecting human rights is a key issue for the cooperative movement. In 2018, ICA members approved a declaration on decent work and against harassment at work places. They committed to respect, promote and act diligently to support the fundamental tenets of decent work, namely freedom of association and full recognition of the right to collective bargaining; the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; an end to child labour; and the elimination of discrimination in employment and every form of work.

The movement’s commitment falls in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which acknowledge that companies should undertake human rights due diligence measures to ensure their operations do not contribute to human rights abuses; instead, they should respect them.