Principle 2

We seek to ensure that Rio Tinto's presence fosters sound relationships and avoids conflict wherever we are. Rio Tinto respects and supports the dignity, well being and rights of Group employees, our families and the communities in which we live, as well as others affected by the Group's operations. Where those rights are threatened, we seek to have international standards upheld and to avoid situations that could be interpreted as condoning human rights abuses. We ensure that our equipment and facilities are not misused in violation of them.

The Group's procedures for using security personnel are based on human rights principles and include guidelines and restrictions on the use of force. These procedures are reinforced by training and applied to contract security personnel as well as to Group employees.

Rio Tinto has participated in the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights process from the initial drafting stage, and we continue to believe in their potential for protecting and promoting human rights, and for helping companies operate with full respect for the relevant human rights standards. This is particularly important in regions where the responsibly-ensured security of mining operations cannot be taken for granted, and where the locally available private or public security providers may need both training and effective supervision to ensure that they carry out their duties in the manner envisaged by the Voluntary Principles (VPs).

In mid-2008, Rio Tinto created a Global Security Group, drawing on the security organisation formerly based in Alcan. The Group currently comprises 12 security managers and advisers; it is headquartered in London, and has regional bases in Montreal, Paris and Brisbane. The new structure will reinforce our ability to implement the VPs on a world-wide basis, with professional oversight of operations in our business units.

The Global Security Group has already had a major part to play in designing "New Country Entry" procedures, intended to give practical effect to our commitment to the VPs at the crucial initial stage of a business venture. Further work on guidance in particular fields will follow, as will a revised version of the security component of the ICQ.

The Group has also begun work on the selection of a number of preferred security providers, with the appropriate due diligence including background checks on management and personnel. The intention is that new security contractors working with Rio Tinto should be required to comply with a "Code of Conduct for Private Security Companies", which will draw on the VPs ,on European and wider international best practice, and on the relevant UN Codes and Principles.

Required training on human rights within Rio Tinto continues to include a lesson devoted to security and human rights, underlining that Rio Tinto security policies draw on and are consistent with the VPs. More specialised training, also aligned with the VPs, is provided by Rio Tinto Diamonds; by business units operating in higher-risk environments, and as required as part of the "New Country Entry" procedures referred to above.

We train our staff to be aware of the rights of our people and the communities in and around where we work. Our employees are required to comply with our commitments as set out in The way we work. In 2008, all our businesses completed a comprehensive Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) to attest their compliance in the area of human rights. In 2008, there were no reported breaches of our human rights policy. We also have a confidential and independent means for employees to report issues and communicate ideas called Speak-OUT.