Human rights and diversity
Being a global organisation spread across 28 countries, multiple time zones and many cultures brings unique challenges and opportunities. We address these through our diversity programme, which embodies the key principles of respect, valuing differences and inclusion, and measures that ensure respect, fairness and equality among our employees.
Our policy and practices are aligned with United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Labour Organisation's core labour standards. We also support the UN Global Compact Principles - please see our 2010 Communication on Progress.
We show our commitment to promoting diversity, equal opportunities and human rights through our interactions with our employees, the design of our products and services and through our influence as an investor and purchaser. Read more about sustainable and responsible investments, our people and our products and services in our latest CR report.
Aviva has committed to respect and uphold fundamental principles in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption. As a sign of this commitment Aviva is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and support human rights principles as outlined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNUDHR) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) core labour standards.
Aviva fully supports the Convention on Cluster Munitions. In 2008 the Aviva Board determined that the manufacture of cluster munitions and anti-personnel mines undermined fundamental human rights. It was decided that Aviva Group should not hold securities linked to companies involved in the manufacture of cluster munitions or anti-personnel mines on its own account, specifically in shareholder funds.
We can confirm that we have no such holdings. However, we should emphasise that from time to time we will appear on company shareholder registers as nominees for shares held on behalf of clients who may not share this position. Read more about our position on cluster munitions.
Across our business network groups bring employees together and are a positive channel for influencing company direction on key diversity issues in the workplace. Our employee groups, including the Aviva Women's Network and Pride Aviva , our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender network, are now firmly established. They have evolved from small beginnings to become thriving networks, hosting events and contributing support for local community projects. Read more about our diversity agenda in our CR report.
