Policy of Child Labour and Forced Labour
Introduction
As a responsible organization, we are committed to conducting business ethically and legally, contributing positively to society and the environment. Eradicating child labour and forced labour is a pivotal part of our mission. We are dedicated to refraining from engaging in child exploitation and actively contributing to its eradication to the best of our abilities.
Policy Statement
Under the National Policy on Elimination of Child Labour in Sri Lanka, JFS Holdings Limited does not accept child labour and works actively against it in support of the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Minimum Age Convention no. 138 (1973) and ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour no. 182 (1999). Also, under the ILO forced labour convention, 1930 (No.29) we prohibits all forms of forced labour within our company.
This policy applies throughout our organization and extends to our business partners, suppliers, vendors, and contractors.
In this policy, “children” are individuals under [18] years of age, and “young children” refer to those under [16].
Policy Elements
- Young Children
For young children (below [16] years), we prioritize their health, education, and leisure time. Therefore, we refrain from employing anyone under [16] years of age, and we ensure our subsidiaries adopt the same practice regardless of their location.
We also pledge not to engage with organizations employing children below [16] years. We will include this condition in every contract, reserving the right to terminate agreements without penalties if a stakeholder violates this condition and refuses to comply with an elimination plan.
- Older Children
On any occasion, if we employ children above [16] years, we strictly adhere to local and international laws. These older children may engage in suitable work that doesn’t compromise their health, safety, education, or development.
These conditions are mandatory for partnerships and business relationships. We refuse to collabourate with entities employing children in hazardous roles or disregarding laws on hours and pay. We expect them to enforce our no child labour policy within their own networks.
Legal Exceptions
- Agriculture: Some laws differentiate between agricultural and non-agricultural work, often being less strict for minors involved in family-owned farms. We adhere to the law while working with agricultural businesses, ensuring that children’s safety is upheld through audits and official documentation.
- Parental Employment: In cases of family-owned businesses, the employment of the owner’s young children is sometimes permissible if the work is non-hazardous (e.g., not involving mining or manufacturing). While we respect this regulation, we reserve the right to dissolve contracts if these children are exposed to danger or consistently work during school hours.
- Occasional Work: Parents occasionally involve their children in work to teach them skills and work dynamics. This is acceptable as long as it doesn’t jeopardize schooling or safety.
Reporting
At JFS Holdings Limited, we encourage all our staff to report any instances where our policies aren’t followed. It’s a way for us to ensure everything is running smoothly and fairly. All employees should be aware that they have an ethical responsibility to report such situations. We always value confidentiality and can keep identities hidden, as long as it doesn’t hinder solving the issue.
Nevertheless, every supplier must consistently inform JFS Holdings Limited about their suppliers, partners or any third party involve with their business. Failing to disclose any information relevant to this policy would be in violation of our guidelines.
Remediation and punishment
Failure to adhere to the No Child Labour policy could result in disciplinary actions, including the possibility of ending employment or partnerships. The process for addressing such issues will follow local laws and regulations. Our company is committed to promptly preventing and stopping child labour. If our company or any of our suppliers are accused or proven to have neglected this policy, we will quickly address the situation and provide necessary assistance to those affected by the oversight
Caring for children is a responsibility we all share
Children’s welfare is a shared responsibility. We seek business success while contributing positively to our community. We call upon all our team members and partners to embrace this policy, not just as a mandate, but as a collective duty to secure a brighter future for children.
