CASE STUDIES

Strengthening human rights due diligence in the Middle East

Industrial companies in the Middle East face significant challenges related to human rights issues in their operations and supply chains. These challenges typically affect migrant workers in the region and include topics such as poor employment practices, unsafe working conditions, unsanitary living conditions and harassment and discrimination.

Kumi was commissioned by one of the region’s leading industrial companies to develop a human rights due diligence process and pilot it with two strategic suppliers in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Before our involvement, the client lacked a clear process for assessing suppliers and had limited knowledge and insight into the human rights risks within its supply chain. At the same time, it was under pressure to meet the growing number of human rights due diligence expectations of its customers in key export markets.

To support our client, we:

Created a responsible sourcing manual and tools (relevant for sourcing materials, products and manpower services) in alignment with the OECD due diligence framework. This included a protocol for conducting supplier site assessments. We reviewed existing processes and engaged with stakeholders to ensure that the manual was fit-for-purpose in their business context.
Piloted the new supplier site assessment protocol at two suppliers, one in Saudi Arabia and one in Oman.
Drafted a corrective action plan with findings and recommended actions to address the identified gaps.

The company has used the pilot supplier site assessment protocol as a model for the rest of its supply chain. By engaging with suppliers proactively, they developed stronger relationships, increased transparency, and gained better visibility over their supply base. Our corrective action plans also helped drive positive changes for workers within their supply chain.

By undertaking a pilot project, companies can avoid taking an ‘all or nothing’ approach to due diligence and assess an entire supply chain incrementally. Pilot projects offer a useful way of doing this by prioritising engagements and taking smaller, more manageable steps.

If you’d like to discuss how Kumi can support your supply chain due diligence, please get in touch.