Human rights clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
A human rights clause ensures that the parties involved in the agreement respect, protect, and fulfill human rights in all aspects of their operations and relationships. This clause prohibits practices that violate fundamental human rights, such as discrimination, forced labor, child labor, and harassment, and requires compliance with international human rights standards.
Below are templates for human rights clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.
Standard human rights clause
This version includes general human rights provisions.
[Party B] agrees to uphold and respect human rights in the conduct of its operations and supply chain. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring non-discriminatory practices, providing equal opportunities, and prohibiting any form of forced or child labor. [Party B] will comply with all applicable local, national, and international human rights laws and standards.
Human rights clause with provision for compliance with international human rights standards
This version applies to international human rights standards.
[Party B] will comply with all relevant international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the core conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). [Party B] will ensure that its operations and supply chain adhere to these standards, including the prohibition of forced labor, child labor, and discrimination.
Human rights clause with provision for due diligence and risk assessments
This version includes due diligence and risk assessments.
[Party B] agrees to conduct regular due diligence and human rights risk assessments to identify, prevent, and mitigate any adverse human rights impacts associated with its operations and supply chain. [Party A] reserves the right to request the results of these assessments and any corrective actions taken.
Human rights clause with provision for grievance mechanisms
This version includes grievance mechanisms.
[Party B] will provide a mechanism for workers, suppliers, and other stakeholders to raise concerns or grievances related to human rights violations. This mechanism will allow for anonymous reporting and will be accessible without fear of retaliation. [Party B] will promptly address any reported concerns and take corrective actions when necessary.
Human rights clause with provision for worker protection and fair treatment
This version applies to worker protection.
[Party B] ensures that all workers in its operations and supply chain are treated fairly, with dignity, and free from discrimination, harassment, or exploitation. [Party B] will provide a safe and healthy work environment and will uphold the rights of workers to freely associate and organize.
Human rights clause with provision for non-discrimination
This version applies to non-discrimination.
[Party B] agrees to ensure that no person is discriminated against based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable human rights laws. [Party B] will implement policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of its operations.
Human rights clause with provision for monitoring and enforcement
This version includes monitoring and enforcement.
[Party B] will regularly monitor its operations and supply chain to ensure adherence to human rights standards. Any violations will be promptly addressed, and corrective measures will be taken to prevent recurrence. [Party A] reserves the right to conduct audits to verify compliance.
Human rights clause with provision for fair wages and benefits
This version applies to fair wages and benefits.
[Party B] will ensure that all workers are paid fair wages in accordance with applicable wage laws and regulations. Workers will also be entitled to benefits such as health care, paid time off, and retirement plans, as required by law or company policy.
Human rights clause with provision for compliance with anti-child labor laws
This version applies to anti-child labor laws.
[Party B] prohibits the use of child labor in any part of its operations or supply chain. [Party B] will ensure that all workers meet the minimum legal working age as established by applicable laws and international labor standards.
Human rights clause with provision for addressing forced labor
This version applies to forced labor.
[Party B] prohibits any form of forced labor, including debt bondage, human trafficking, or any form of coercion. [Party B] will ensure that all workers are employed voluntarily, and no worker will be subject to physical, emotional, or financial coercion.
Human rights clause with provision for freedom of association
This version applies to freedom of association.
[Party B] will respect the right of workers to freely associate, form unions, and engage in collective bargaining. [Party B] will not retaliate against any worker for exercising these rights and will ensure that workers have the freedom to voice concerns without fear of reprisal.
Human rights clause with provision for transparent reporting of human rights issues
This version includes transparent reporting.
[Party B] will provide transparent reporting on human rights issues within its operations, including any violations and the steps taken to address them. These reports will be made available to [Party A] and relevant stakeholders upon request.
Human rights clause with provision for addressing gender-based violence
This version applies to gender-based violence.
[Party B] commits to preventing and addressing any form of gender-based violence, including sexual harassment, in its operations and supply chain. [Party B] will provide clear procedures for reporting incidents of gender-based violence and will take immediate action to investigate and remedy such cases.
Human rights clause with provision for worker empowerment
This version applies to worker empowerment.
[Party B] will ensure that workers have the tools, resources, and support to protect and assert their rights. This includes providing access to legal support, fair grievance mechanisms, and opportunities for career development and growth.
Human rights clause with provision for ensuring ethical recruitment practices
This version applies to recruitment practices.
[Party B] agrees to ensure that all recruitment practices in its operations and supply chain are ethical, transparent, and fair. Workers will not be charged recruitment fees, and no deceptive practices will be used to lure workers into employment.
Human rights clause with provision for addressing workplace discrimination
This version applies to workplace discrimination.
[Party B] will create a workplace free from any form of discrimination, including based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. [Party B] will take proactive steps to ensure an inclusive and respectful work environment for all employees.
Human rights clause with provision for ensuring health and safety standards
This version applies to health and safety.
[Party B] will ensure that all workplaces meet or exceed applicable health and safety standards. This includes providing protective equipment, ensuring safe working conditions, and maintaining a workplace free from hazardous practices that could harm employees' well-being.
Human rights clause with provision for addressing the rights of vulnerable groups
This version applies to vulnerable groups.
[Party B] will take special care to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, such as migrant workers, refugees, and individuals with disabilities. [Party B] will ensure that these groups are provided equal opportunities, fair treatment, and protection from exploitation.
Human rights clause with provision for educating workers on their rights
This version includes educating workers.
[Party B] will provide education and training to workers on their human rights and how to report violations. Workers will be made aware of their rights to fair wages, safe working conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
Human rights clause with provision for ensuring supply chain accountability
This version applies to supply chain accountability.
[Party B] will ensure that all suppliers in its supply chain uphold the same human rights standards as outlined in this clause. [Party B] will conduct regular audits and evaluations to ensure that suppliers meet these standards and will take corrective actions if violations are discovered.
Human rights clause with provision for the prohibition of harassment
This version applies to harassment.
[Party B] prohibits all forms of harassment in the workplace, including verbal, physical, and sexual harassment. [Party B] will provide a safe and supportive environment where workers can report any harassment without fear of retaliation.
Human rights clause with provision for regular human rights impact assessments
This version includes human rights impact assessments.
[Party B] will conduct regular human rights impact assessments to evaluate the effects of its operations and supply chain on human rights. [Party B] will share the results of these assessments with [Party A] and take corrective actions where necessary.
Human rights clause with provision for compliance with national human rights laws
This version applies to national laws.
[Party B] will comply with all national human rights laws and regulations, including those related to labor rights, discrimination, and the treatment of workers. [Party B] will ensure that its operations do not violate any local or international human rights laws.
Human rights clause with provision for training and capacity-building
This version includes training and capacity-building.
[Party B] will provide ongoing training and capacity-building opportunities to its employees, suppliers, and partners to raise awareness of human rights issues. This training will cover key human rights principles, ethical business practices, and the importance of complying with human rights laws.
Human rights clause with provision for partnership with human rights organizations
This version encourages partnerships with human rights organizations.
[Party B] agrees to collaborate with recognized human rights organizations to promote and protect human rights within its operations and supply chain. These partnerships will focus on ensuring compliance with international human rights standards and addressing any violations that arise.
Human rights clause with provision for access to grievance mechanisms
This version includes grievance mechanisms.
[Party B] agrees to provide accessible grievance mechanisms for workers to report human rights violations or concerns. These mechanisms will be confidential and free from retaliation. [Party B] will address all grievances promptly and take appropriate action to resolve them.
Human rights clause with provision for training on preventing human trafficking
This version includes training on human trafficking.
[Party B] will provide training to all employees and key suppliers on identifying and preventing human trafficking within their operations. This training will cover how to report suspected trafficking activities and the steps that must be taken to prevent such practices.
Human rights clause with provision for supporting human rights initiatives
This version supports human rights initiatives.
[Party B] will support global and local human rights initiatives, including efforts to eliminate child labor, forced labor, and human trafficking. [Party B] will contribute to awareness campaigns and collaborate with human rights organizations to drive positive change.
Human rights clause with provision for the prohibition of retaliation
This version prohibits retaliation.
[Party B] prohibits retaliation against any employee, contractor, or supplier who reports human rights violations or participates in investigations related to violations. [Party B] will ensure that all individuals are protected from any form of retaliation or harm for speaking out.
Human rights clause with provision for worker participation in decision-making
This version applies to worker participation.
[Party B] will ensure that workers have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes, particularly in matters that directly affect their health, safety, and working conditions. Workers will be encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions to improve their work environment.
Human rights clause with provision for regular human rights audits
This version includes regular audits.
[Party B] agrees to conduct regular internal and external audits of its operations and supply chain to ensure compliance with human rights standards. These audits will identify any risks or violations, and [Party B] will take immediate corrective actions where necessary.
Human rights clause with provision for ensuring compliance with local labor laws
This version applies to local labor laws.
[Party B] will comply with all local labor laws in the regions where it operates, ensuring that workers are treated fairly, paid appropriately, and given the rights they are entitled to by law. [Party B] will update [Party A] on any changes in relevant labor laws.
Human rights clause with provision for the prohibition of unfair treatment
This version applies to unfair treatment.
[Party B] will ensure that no worker is subjected to unfair treatment, including unequal pay, biased job assignments, or unfavorable working conditions based on gender, race, or other protected characteristics. [Party B] will take steps to create a fair and respectful workplace for all.
Human rights clause with provision for providing safe housing to workers
This version applies to providing housing.
[Party B] agrees to ensure that all workers living in company-provided housing are given access to safe, clean, and secure accommodations. Housing conditions will meet local safety standards and provide basic amenities necessary for workers' well-being.
Human rights clause with provision for annual reporting on human rights compliance
This version includes annual reporting.
[Party B] will submit an annual human rights compliance report to [Party A], detailing actions taken to respect and protect human rights within its operations and supply chain. The report will include data on labor practices, working conditions, and any reported human rights violations.
Human rights clause with provision for zero-tolerance of workplace harassment
This version applies to workplace harassment.
[Party B] has a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment in the workplace, including sexual, verbal, and physical harassment. [Party B] will take immediate and decisive action against any employee or supplier found guilty of harassment, and provide support to affected individuals.
Human rights clause with provision for providing health care access
This version applies to health care access.
[Party B] will ensure that all workers have access to adequate health care services, including emergency care, routine check-ups, and mental health support. [Party B] will provide health insurance or equivalent benefits where applicable by law.
Human rights clause with provision for respecting indigenous peoples' rights
This version applies to indigenous peoples' rights.
[Party B] will respect the rights of indigenous peoples in all areas where it operates, including land rights, cultural heritage, and freedom from exploitation. [Party B] will ensure that its activities do not infringe upon the traditional rights of indigenous communities.
Human rights clause with provision for gender equality initiatives
This version applies to gender equality.
[Party B] will implement initiatives to promote gender equality in the workplace, including equal pay, career development opportunities, and the elimination of gender-based discrimination. [Party B] will provide regular reports on its progress in achieving gender equality goals.
Human rights clause with provision for compensation for violations
This version applies to compensation for violations.
[Party B] will compensate any worker or community negatively affected by human rights violations resulting from its operations or supply chain. This compensation will include monetary restitution, rehabilitation, and other support to ensure victims' rights are restored.
Human rights clause with provision for engagement with stakeholders
This version applies to stakeholder engagement.
[Party B] will engage with relevant stakeholders, including workers, suppliers, customers, and local communities, to ensure that its human rights practices are transparent and inclusive. [Party B] will solicit feedback and make necessary adjustments based on this input.
Human rights clause with provision for the promotion of human dignity
This version applies to human dignity.
[Party B] will promote and protect the dignity of all individuals involved in its operations and supply chain. This includes ensuring respectful treatment of all workers, preventing any forms of exploitation, and promoting fair treatment and equal opportunities.
Human rights clause with provision for addressing labor trafficking
This version applies to labor trafficking.
[Party B] will ensure that no labor trafficking occurs in its operations or supply chain. [Party B] will work to identify and prevent trafficking within the labor market and will take corrective actions against any supplier or contractor found to be engaging in such practices.
Human rights clause with provision for ensuring freedom from exploitation
This version ensures freedom from exploitation.
[Party B] will ensure that all workers are free from exploitation, including excessive working hours, unfair wages, and unsafe working conditions. [Party B] will regularly review its policies and practices to prevent any form of worker exploitation.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.