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Respect human rights

Upholding and advancing human rights are critical to the sustainable operation of our business

Human rights are basic political, civil, economic, labour, social and cultural rights and freedoms to which all people are entitled, without discrimination1. We commit to operating in a manner consistent with the internationally recognised human rights and standards as described in our Human Rights Policy Statement and Indigenous Peoples Policy Statement. Respecting human rights and contributing to the realisation of rights is critical to the sustainable operation of our business and the right thing to do. We also respect the role of human rights defenders in upholding civic freedoms and their significant voice in understanding and addressing human rights challenges.

1 As defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Respect human rights

  • What this means for you

    Our Human Rights Policy Statement and Indigenous Peoples Policy Statement provide guidance on BHP’s positions and commitments.

     

    You must consider the human rights and social and community impacts for our operations, tailings storage facilities, major projects, new activities in high-risk countries, decisions around acquisitions and divestments, and the closure of our sites.

     

    Always comply with applicable laws. Where differences exist between Our Code and local customs, norms, rules or regulations, apply the higher standard. Identify, mitigate or eliminate any risks to human rights that may arise through our activities, including any arising from the activities of our suppliers and service providers.

    • Uphold the commitments as set out in our Indigenous Peoples Policy Statement and the Global Indigenous Peoples Strategy. This includes working to obtain free, prior and informed consent for new operations and projects, and changes to existing operations and projects, located on lands traditionally owned by, or under customary use of, Indigenous peoples and likely to have significant adverse impacts on Indigenous peoples.
    • Consider the connection between environmental sustainability and human rights. If community resettlement is required, comply with the International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 5: Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement.
    • Suppliers are expected to apply our human rights related mandatory minimum requirements as outlined in our Minimum Requirements for Suppliers.
    • Communicate our commitment to the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) to any private security providers engaged or any public security providers you arrange to support BHP activities.
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Always

• Raise any human rights concerns via the community complaints and grievance process or via Integrity@BHP or the BHP Protected Disclosure Reporting Channel.

• Consider the human rights implications of BHP activities, including across our value chain.

• Identify and address human rights risks and adverse impacts from the perspective of the person who holds the right.

• Undertake due diligence on our suppliers to assess their alignment with human rights.

• Ensure human rights concerns and complaints are investigated and remedied, if appropriate, and the outcomes reported to relevant stakeholders.

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Never

• Threaten, punish, discipline, or retaliate against anyone,
inside or outside BHP, for raising or helping to address
a human rights concern.

Hypothetical scenarios

  • Q: I’m aware the local Indigenous community has strong connections to the land on which we operate, but I’m not sure if there is any active engagement to ensure their significant sites are effectively identified and managed. I raised this with my team and they didn’t know if any engagement is happening either. What should I do?

    A: Engaging with the traditional owners of the land and managing cultural heritage matters is an integral part of our business. All our assets must implement a framework for identifying, documenting and managing aspects of cultural significance.

     

    BHP works to obtain the consent of Indigenous communities for projects that are located on lands traditionally owned by or under customary use of Indigenous peoples and are likely to have significant adverse impacts on Indigenous peoples. If you are unsure whether these requirements are being met or have any concerns, speak with your line leader or 2Up leader, use the local complaints and grievance process or contact EthicsPoint.

  • Q: I have seen recent media reports that one of BHP’s suppliers has been accused of forced labour in the production of its products. I don’t know if BHP purchases these products or whether BHP has any obligation to follow up on these reports. What should I do? 

    A: Respecting human rights is one of the foundational principles for contributing meaningful social value to society and we expect the businesses we work with to also meet this commitment. Any concerns of modern slavery within our operations or supply chain must immediately be raised with your line leader or 2Up leader or via EthicsPoint. This will allow BHP to investigate the media reports and if necessary, conduct further due diligence aligned with our Ethical Supply Chain and Transparency program.

     

    We can then request further information from the supplier and, where appropriate, initiate a supplier development plan to close the gaps in the supplier’s modern slavery practices.

  • View more Hypothetical Scenarios

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How to speak up

If you have questions about Our Code, speak to your line leader, 2Up leader, Ethics and Investigations, Compliance, or Legal. Employee Relations or a HR Business Partner can direct you to the relevant reporting options available. You can also seek further information and resources via BHP’s RespectChat.  Anyone who works with us, on our behalf, or is associated with us, can also raise misconduct concerns via Integrity@BHP or the BHP Protected Disclosure Reporting Channel.

Online: Make a report in either Integrity@BHP or the BHP Protected Disclosure Reporting Channel. 

Phone: You can also contact the BHP Protected Disclosure Reporting Channel by phone. 

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