Our role in society

Respecting human rights

Throughout our business operations, we commit to respect the human rights of our employees, business partners and their workers, leaf growers, and the communities where we operate.

What does this mean for JTI?

Human rights are universal norms that apply equally to every person, irrespective of where they are in the world, covering such topics as equal opportunities, labor standards, freedom of speech and association, and privacy.

We provide all employees with clear information on human rights. We conduct human rights due diligence to identify, assess, and remedy actual and potential human rights risks in our operations.

To mitigate risks and impacts related to significant human rights considerations across JTI operations we continuously improve our strategy to ensure our due diligence measures are effective. In addition, we collaborate with non-governmental organizations and business partners to improve situations where human rights may be at risk.

What does this mean to me as an employee?

I expect JTI to respect my human rights and the human rights of individuals or groups that are affected by JTI’s activities.

If I am concerned that my human rights or those of my colleagues may be negatively impacted or limited, I feel empowered to speak up. If I am a line manager, I have a duty to ensure that the rights of employees in my team are respected. I handle any concern shared by an employee in line with the Guidelines for Line Managers.

What does this mean for our business partners?

All business partners are expected to adopt and maintain standards of labor practices and working conditions that comply with all applicable local laws and international conventions.

What situations could this apply to?

Here are some examples of situations that may lead to concern:

  • While on a tobacco farm, I noticed a child carrying a heavy tobacco load.
  • An independent NGO claims that laborers working for a leaf grower were working without any personal protective equipment.
  • I heard that a colleague was asked to work on weekends without P&C being informed.

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