Unilever Principles in Support of Human Rights Defenders

This document is a guide detailing Unilever's principles in support of human rights defenders. It outlines the company's commitment to respecting and advancing human rights in accordance with international standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The guide provides implementation guidance for existing commitments and requirements, including a series of steps aimed at identifying and mitigating risks to human rights defenders. These steps include creating a stakeholder map, identifying risks to civic freedoms, and ensuring access to effective remedy. Additionally, the document emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue with human rights defenders and the need for businesses to support civic freedoms. It recognizes the vulnerabilities faced by human rights defenders and the critical role they play in promoting and protecting human rights. The document also includes references to various frameworks and standards that inform Unilever's policies and practices regarding human rights defenders.