Non-discrimination A human rights-based approach

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6.3.2. Principles and considerations

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6.3.2.1 Non-discrimination

873 Non-discrimination is one of the most accepted principles of international human rights. Everyone is entitled 874 to enjoy human rights irrespective of their colour, race, gender, religion, ethnic, social or national origin, 875 political or other opinion, property, poverty, disability, birth, lack of citizenship, sexual preference, or other 876 status, for example, severe illness such as HIV AIDS. Decisions on the conditions for promotion, the 877 availability of products or the allocation of supplier contracts should be taken without discrimination or 878 regard to arbitrary preferences 8, 18. 19, 28, 30, 87. 879

6.3.2.2 A human rights-based approach

880 A human rights-based approach involves the actions, policies and operations that an organization should 881 implement to allow each individual to enjoy his or her human rights. 882 A human rights-based approach to organizational management is very important to the social responsibility 883 of the organization. The implementation of this approach involves developing both general policies and 884 specific management practices, as described below. 885 The first step is an executive level commitment to promote and protect human rights. To be effective, this 886 should be communicated both inside and outside the organization. The commitment and policies should 887 inform all the practices of the organization. 888 Policies can be developed to guide management action in areas particularly sensitive to human rights 889 abuse. Policies for all management areas should be considered, but particular attention may be paid to: 890 new project appraisal, supply chains, extractive-sector related projects, site security and strategies for 891 conflict zones and politically unstable areas of operation. 892 In addition to its own operations, an organization should consider how to promote and protect human rights 893 within its wider sphere of influence, including its supply chain, government and other regulatory 894 stakeholders. 895 An organization should carefully assess how it can comply with its human rights responsibilities. An 896 organizations strategy for social responsibility should recognize the interdependence of human rights, but 897 focus on the most urgent issues for the organization and those on which it can have the most impact. 898

6.3.2.3 Sensitive action