Human rights engagement

Responsible Business Practice Human rights engagement

HUMAN RIGHTS ENGAGEMENT

Business engagement in human rights is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity

Ericsson’s human rights approach addresses impacts within the company’s sphere of influence, as well as the telecom industry’s wider role in society.

Our first obligation is to avoid complicity in human rights abuse, notably in sensitive countries where regulations and ethical standards may not be well developed or enforced. Anti-discrimination, equality and diversity are embedded in Ericsson’s human resources practices across the Group (p. 35). Our Supplier Code of Conduct also promotes respect for human rights along the value chain.

Ericsson’s human rights approach addresses impacts within the company’s sphere of influence, Over and above this, Ericsson’s core technologies can facilitate the fulfillment of universal human rights. Being engaged in this manner is not only part of good governance, it also builds trust and credibility in emerging markets.

A 2008 study by Ericsson on the socio-economic impact of mobile communications in Sudan found that mobile phone access generates significant socio-economic benefits for gross domestic product (GDP), notably for people at the base of the economic pyramid. Among the benefits were better access to healthcare and education, improved livelihoods and enhanced security. This followed a 2007 independent human rights impact assessment of Ericsson’s operations in Sudan that set a baseline, confirming Ericsson’s noncomplicity in human rights abuses. As a member of the Business Leaders Initiative on Human Rights, we seek practical ways to apply the aspirations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 2008 we produced several case studies identifying positive human rights influences in Ericsson projects:

In the Millennium Villages, toll-free numbers for emergency calls and rural teachers enhance the rights to education and health (p. 24).
In the Lake Victoria region of Africa, mobile coverage for fishermen improves livelihoods and safety for some 3.5 million people (p. 27).
In Tamil Nadu, India, telemedicine, e-education, and e-governance facilitate the rights to education, health, and information.

ENGAGING EMPLOYEES

Part of Ericsson’s Integrated approach to CR is to engage Employees in objectives and leverage their insights. In 2008:

6,200 employees signed a pledge of support for the UN Declaration of Human Rights through the Every Human Has Rights campaign, responding to a call for action on our intranet, and Volvo Ocean Race.

1,640 employees provided input on the barriers to, and benefits of, video conferencing. The online poll helped us understand the use of digital meetings and gauge how to best promote broadband applications. The poll provides an indication of CO2 emissions deriving from employees travelling to work.

1,100 employees participated in a second materiality poll to help us rank the top five issues they believe Ericsson should engage in (Stakeholder survey).

70 employees are registered in the Ericsson Response volunteer initiative, willing to donate their time and skills to assist in disaster and humanitarian relief efforts (Ericsson Response).

Internal collaboration sites were launched throughout Ericsson, enabling employees to blog and share information on CR.

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THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY

Ericsson respects all human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and privacy.

Communications play a vital role in the free exchange of ideas and as a tool for democracy. At times the telecom industry can encounter conflicts in the realization of these rights.

EXTERNAL SITES

HOW DID WE PERFORM

In the Responsible Business Practice area