Our view on human rights
Driven by the vision to create a better everyday life for the many people, IKEA is ensuring we commit to human rights throughout our business operations, value-chain, and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to living up to our responsibility to respect human rights in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Human rights abuses have no place in our business operations, business decisions or across our value chain.
When referring to human rights we take into consideration, at a minimum, the International Bill of Human Rights, which includes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Thematic UN human rights conventions, other ILO conventions, and UN frameworks also provide guidance on how we approach specific topics and vulnerable groups[1], including the Children’s Rights and Business Principles. We work actively to ensure that our commitment to operating with respect for human rights is integrated into relevant company policies, processes, and ways of working. Through the application of human rights due diligence procedures, we continuously strengthen our efforts to identify, assess, and take action on the human rights impacts of our business activities and relationships. We demand the same high standard of responsible behaviour from our many business partners.
IKEA welcomes EU legislation on Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence
On 14 December 2023, the European Parliament, the EU Council and the European Commission agreed on the new directive for the corporate sustainability due diligence. IKEA welcomes this new legislation setting obligations for companies to mitigate negative impacts on human rights and the environment.
IKEA has been advocating for such legislation, including through joint statements such as the 2021 Nordic Business Network for Human Rights, statement available here.
We know that respecting human rights and ultimately creating a positive impact in society will not be done by us alone. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with other stakeholders towards these goals, contributing to a better everyday life where all people’s rights are respected.
[1] Thematic UN human rights conventions include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.