Prevent Modern Slavery

Picterra's Procedure to Prevent Modern Slavery

Slavery, human trafficking, and forced labor are grave human rights violations that impact millions of people worldwide, primarily the most vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged populations. These violations often occur in the supply chains of companies who remain unaware of the exploitation, abuse, and inhumane working conditions of these individuals and groups.

To protect and promote human rights in our business operations, we in the management of our company (i.e. Picterra SA) acknowledge the need for effective measures to identify, prevent, mitigate, and address the risks of modern slavery in our supply chains, and demonstrate our strong commitment to responsible and ethical business practices.

This corporate procedure outlines the steps that our company takes to prevent modern slavery, enhance transparency and accountability, and promote a culture of respect for human rights and dignity.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees and third-party partners, suppliers, and contractors working with our company, as well as our products, services, and operations, including those in countries with a high risk of modern slavery.

Definitions

Modern slavery: is defined as any form of slavery, forced labor or human trafficking, where people are trafficked or forced into work and in situations where they cannot leave because of threats, violence, coercion, or deception. Supplier: any third-party entity that supplies products or services to our company. Contractors: any third-party entity that provides work for our company.

Corporate Procedure

The following are the steps that our company takes to prevent modern slavery:

Risk assessment

We conduct regular assessments of our supply chains to identify any risks of modern slavery. These assessments enable us to prioritize and manage risks and to adjust and customize measures based on our risk and context.

Contracts

We incorporate ethical contractual provisions into our contracts with third-party partners, suppliers, and contractors, outlining our expectations for responsible and ethical operations. The provisions should include commitments on modern slavery, human rights, labor standards, and working conditions, and specify that our company will terminate the engagement with any party that violates these provisions.

Due Diligence

We institute appropriate procedures and processes to ensure that we carefully evaluate any third-party working with our company. Our due diligence includes detailed reviews of the track record and financial history of those entities. If they are potential risks, we investigate in depth.

Education and Training

We conduct education and training sessions to sensitize and enlighten our employees about modern slavery, the supply chains where such activities could occur, and the risk mitigation approaches. We also organize training sessions for our business partners, suppliers, and contractors to ensure they are aware of this issue.

Transparency

We set up internal and external transparency mechanisms to provide a public accountability platform that guarantees access to the information on our policies and methods of operation. We disclose relevant information to key stakeholders, including our employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, and other relevant parties.

Reporting

We institute an anonymous reporting system, employees have access to report human rights violations within the company and its supply chains. The company publishes its approaches openly to human rights, and encourages whistleblowing on non-compliance with any regulations.

Monitoring and Evaluation

We establish mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of procedures and methods of implementation that assure workers are not at risk for human trafficking or modern slavery.

Remediation

We commit to taking appropriate measures to correct non-compliance processes, activities, or actions to prevent modern slavery. Prompt remedies for identified violations or constraints will be assured either for affected parties and agencies.

Implementation and Enforcement

The coordination and implementation of this policy are the purview of our company’s management team. The company will take appropriate measures to guarantee that the policy is enforced effectively and appropriately. Our policy creates general standards by which we conduct our business and sets a standard of conduct for employees, business partners, suppliers, and contractors. Failure to respect our policy may result in suspending or terminating a business relationship with a party.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we in the management of our company have established this policy to prevent modern slavery and promote ethical and responsible business practices. By implementing this policy, we take a significant step in protecting and promoting human rights and ensuring that we meet and exceed industry standards. We believe that this policy will guide us in the right direction, promote our values, and help us establish an ethical and reputable business across all areas in which we operate.

Frank de Morsier

Director, Chief Operating Officer at Picterra