International agencies, commitments and standards
We are a signatory to a host of international commitments and standards and we are dedicated to meeting our obligations. As a global mining company we have a responsibility to contribute to the issues of global significance. We speak out in support of issues of global importance such as the achievement of targets and goals set out in the Millennium Development Goals and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Our approach
As a global business, we are active in promoting transparency and good corporate governance throughout the world. We also engage with a wide range of external stakeholders to promote leading business practices. Our operating philosophy has a strong focus on corporate responsibility clearly outlined in our global code of business conduct, The way we work. This covers issues such as human rights, political involvement, transparency and zero tolerance of corruption.
Our involvement
We were a member of the steering committee which developed and which continues to assist implementation of the Transparency International Business Principles for Countering Bribery. Through the International Council for Mining and Metals we are also a company endorsing member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). We also endorse the World Economic Forum Partnering Against Corruption Initiative.
We actively support the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We were involved from the inception of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and have supported these principles since their announcement in 2000. We operate in a manner consistent with the United Nations Declaration on Indigenous Peoples (UNDIP) and sovereign obligations.
We were also a founding member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and we are active members of the UK Network and the Communication on Progress Working Group. The UNGC is a voluntary initiative for businesses committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti corruption. Our communication on progress can be accessed here.
Rio Tinto also supports the annual World Economic Forum Global Corporate Citizenship Statement.
