Konica Minolta receives anti-slavery accolade

Konica Minolta has received the Anti-Slavery Australia Freedom award for its recognition of its commitment to helping combat exploitation through corporate social responsibility and ethical sourcing.

The Freedom Awards raise awareness of all forms of slavery and human trafficking, and promote the positive difference individuals and organisations can make to the lives of trafficked and enslaved people. 

Konica Minolta says it was nominated because of its contribution to anti-slavery and human trafficking initiatives through the company’s CSR and ethical sourcing initiatives. The nominations were evaluated by an independent expert committee of specialists in the fields of human rights, human trafficking, and labour exploitation. 

[Related: Konica Minolta awards finalists revealed]

Dr David Cooke, managing director, Konica Minolta Australia says, “While modern slavery is a global issue, leadership must begin at home and the private sector is a critical stakeholder. We must hold ourselves, our business partners, and those in the business community to account on issues of human rights in supply chains. 

“These days, being a good corporate citizen is more than philanthropy. Companies must turn inward to assess the impact of their core business and operations. A key consideration is whether business activities, or those of suppliers or business partners, negatively affect human rights. We urge all of our employees, customers, partners, and stakeholders to join us in the fight against modern slavery.” 

Konica Minolta’s says its human rights framework is built on three core documents: an ethical sourcing roadmap; supplier code of conduct; and human rights position statement. Its efforts are aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. 

This year, Konica Minolta has continued to work with suppliers to better understand where and how their goods and services are procured. Joining other corporate voices, Konica Minolta has also been an active voice in consultations on a proposed legislation for a modern slavery reporting requirement for large Australian organisations.