Human rights
Respect for human rights is one of our core Business Principles and commitments in our CSR policy.
We support and respect internationally recognised human rights, and apply a ‘rights aware’ approach in identifying, assessing and addressing issues that are within our sphere of influence.
We work to apply the principles set out in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights within the scope of our activities, respecting the rights of our employees, local communities and others who are affected by our activities. We do not employ forced, bonded or child labour.
Treating staff with dignity and respect creates a loyal, motivated and effective workforce. We have stringent policies in place covering recruitment, grievance, harassment and equal opportunities.
Human Rights Handbook
For many years, Cairn has taken a proactive approach to human rights risk management through our human rights compliance roadmap and Human Rights Handbook.
In 2010 we identified the need to update the Handbook to reflect the ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework, proposed by UN Special Representative John Ruggie. The updated Human Rights Handbook will be rolled out and training provided in early 2012.
Land acquisition
A fundamental respect for human rights is essential to maintain positive working relationships with local communities where we operate.
On occasion, our operations require land to be acquired, either temporarily for exploratory and appraisal work or on a more permanent basis for well sites, processing facilities, pipelines and roads. Since 2006 we have used the Group Framework Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), which details the principles to follow when acquiring land for any of our operations. This also covers compensation for loss of land use, physical displacement, impacts on built structures and crops, and impacts on livelihoods.
Cairn aims to be open and transparent with local communities, so that local people are fully informed of the implications of proposed operations. Public consultation informs RAPs and ensures that all stakeholders understand the grievances and compensation process.
This process played an integral part in the success of the Rajasthan export pipeline, a project that affected over 25,000 landowners.
Security and human rights
We put a strong emphasis on protecting our assets and people from security threats and recognise that maintaining good community relations is critical to securing our local licence to operate and minimising the threat to the security of our facilities and people.
We support the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and have in place procedures aligned to these requirements, and train all of our security personnel in these requirements.