Ericsson shares in the global concern over violations of human rights in sensitive countries. Ericsson strongly believes that telecommunications is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of welfare, health and democracy, and for the provision of aid in any country. The provision of humanitarian aid and the fostering of democratic development by the international community is greatly aided by a functioning telecommunications infrastructure that facilitates the free flow of information. As one of the world’s largest providers of communications equipment and services, Ericsson serves a vital role in this process.
Ericsson conducts business in many diverse markets around the world. As business increases in markets where many laws, regulations and standards may not be as developed or enforced as in other parts of the world, it is important to uphold consistent and responsible principles for conducting business in the global marketplace. Toward this aim, all Ericsson policies and directives are implemented globally as part of the Ericsson Group Management System. Furthermore we recognize the US Embargo and we have a strong Internal Compliance Program.
Human rights impact assessment
In 2007, Ericsson conducted a human rights impact assessment on the business in Sudan. The assessment was conducted for two reasons: to ensure Ericsson was not complicit in human rights abuses and was displaying ‘‘good governance in sensitive countries’’ according to our work in this area with Business Leaders Intiative of Human Rights (BLIHR), and to help identify the opportunities for its telecommunication solutions to be a force for good in the region. Sudan is a very complex country – it is Africa’s largest country, with a multitude of religions, social classes and cultures. In the capital of Khartoum, there is wealth and reasonably widespread access to communications. Other parts of the country, like Darfur, face widespread poverty, civil war and ongoing conflict, displaced persons and refugees. Mobile telecommunication has had a significant impact on communities, emerging as a vital technology that not only allows people to stay in touch with family and friends, but also can boost earning potential and combat poverty. Ericsson believes that its operations in Sudan have made a positive impact on economic growth and social development.
The human rights impact assessment was conducted independently by a human rights lawyer and advisor to BLIHR, and the finding are summarized below.
The findings
The assessment concluded that Ericsson can demonstrate “non complicity in human rights abuses” and has been involved in “substantial actions” to ensure its business operations are a "force for good" in Sudan.
The key findings of the assessment that formed those conclusions were:
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Ericsson has a very limited relationship with the Sudanese government and its customers are foreign owned telecommunications operators.
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the services Ericsson provides, in particular to the marginalized areas of the South and Darfur, can bring social and economic benefits to the local population.
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Ericsson has a well-controlled and implemented system of checks built into the management system, in particular through end-user agreements and adherence to the Code of Conduct by suppliers.
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Ericsson has a range of plans and activities underway to demonstrate its positive influence in Sudan.
Demonstrating a positive influence
Ericsson is engaged in a number of activities, referred to as “substantial actions” in the human rights impact assessment, to ensure its business operations are a "force for good" in Sudan. Ericsson has:
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engaged actively with the investment community primarily in the US and with related work in this area led by the United Nations Global Compact.
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committed to support and participate in a United Nations Global Compact network in Sudan.
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begun a socio-economic impact assessment of the telecommunications industry in Sudan, due to be completed in 2008.
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worked together with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and its customer MTN in order to provide telecommunications connectivity to refugee settlements in northern Uganda, on the border with Sudan.
