Deutsche Post DHL response regarding Bahrain Grand Prix and human rights
Human rights groups and others raised concerns about Formula One and its teams going ahead with the Bahrain Grand Prix, 20-22 April 2012, given the human rights situation in the country.
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited relevant companies and organizations to respond to those concerns (including the teams, the companies that own them, team sponsors and partners, Formula One & its owners, and the governing body Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, FIA).
The items we sought responses to and a record of all company responses/non responses are here.
Deutsche Post DHL sent the following response:
17 Apr 2012
“We have received your invitation to respond referring to our position towards the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Deutsche Post DHL uses its knowledge and global presence to make a positive contribution to society and the environment. Under the motto Living Responsibility we focus on protecting the environment, delivering help and championing education and support volunteering activities of our employees Deutsche Post DHL is guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the conventions issued by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the United Nations Global Compact to which Deutsche Post DHL has been a signatory since 2006.
Also in 2006, Deutsche Post DHL implemented a Code of Conduct, which acknowledges our support for the UN Global Compact, and through which we commit to operating based on the principles of integrity, responsibility, ethical acceptability and legality. The Code applies to every employee in our Group and its subsidiaries around the world. We expect and require from our managers that they actively support our Code of Conduct.
Deutsche Post DHL is since many years the Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1™. As Official Logistics Partner of Formula 1™, we provide logistics services around the world to the teams involved in Formula 1™, as well as to Formula One Management. We also see benefits in the synergies between ourbrand and key attributes ofthis globalsport.
We take great care to ensure that any commercial relationship in which we engage adheres to our commitments to the declarations and conventions listed above, as well as our Code of Conduct. At the present moment, we see no contradiction between our involvement in Formula 1™ and our adherence to the UN Global Compact or any other of the commitments listed above. We regularly review all our relationships to ensure that they are aligned with these commitments and will continue to review them closely in the future
DHL is a well recognized employer in Bahrain itself, focusing on our Employer of Choice objective within the Group’s Strategy 2015, with a well established dialogue in place between management, employees and unions. Our operations in this market, as in any other market, are governed by our social commitments and our responsibilities to our customers around the world .
We would be pleased to respond to any further questions that you may have.”