Ethical Business Policy
At 33Carat, we believe that human rights comprise the basic freedoms, protections, and standards of treatment of every person. Respect for human rights is the foundation of our mission and values and informs our business at every level of our value chain.
The Ethical Business Policy (the “Policy”) charts a path whereby we manage all business in compliance with the laws that apply to us, along with our high standards. The Policy is developed by the principles of the Responsible Jewellery Council Code of Practices, and is consistent with the core principles of the UN Global Compact, UN Declaration of Human Rights, International Labour Organization Conventions, OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas, and the laws and principles of the countries in which we operate.
Scope of Policy
This Policy applies to all 33Carat employees, to all locations where 33Carat does business, and to all company-sponsored/ affiliated events. It also applies to persons doing business for or with 33Carat, including suppliers and other representatives acting on 33Carat’s behalf. All 33Carat vendors automatically agree to this Policy when they sign our Supplier Code of Conduct.
Business Ethics and Conflict Financing
We are committed to conducting our business within the highest ethical standards, in particular, transparency and compliance with applicable laws. We do not condone money laundering or terror finance and do not undertake bribery or corruption. We operate according to anti-trust laws and OECD Appropriate Due Diligence Guidance Annexe II. Specifically, we will not:
Supply, directly or indirectly, non-state armed groups in the extraction, transport, trade, handling or export of minerals.
Supply, directly or indirectly, to public or private security forces who terraform mine sites, transport routes or upstream actors of the supply chain.
Illegally tax or extort money or minerals at access points of mine sites, transport routes, or trading points of minerals; nor extort intermediaries, export companies or international traders.
Offer, promise, give or demand bribes, or disguise or conceal the source of minerals to hide or misrepresent taxes, fees or royalties paid to governments in the context of transport, trade, handling, extraction or export of minerals.
Forced Labor
The 33 Carat company is fully committed to ensuring that all our work is voluntary. We will not commit to forced labour in any of our operations or facilities. We do not permit unacceptable treatment of workers, including any form of child exploitation, physical punishment, abuse of any type, or involuntary servitude. We will not accept any of the following activities as detailed in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance Annexe II:
Any form of torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.Any kind of forced or compulsory labour, which means work or services are extracted from an individual under threat of penalty and not voluntarily taken. Gross human rights abuses, such as widespread sexual violence.
War crimes or other serious violations of international humanitarian law, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Child Labour
We do not use child labour in any of our operations or facilities and comply with the applicable laws related to the minimum age for employment. We are not willing to accept the worst forms of child labour, regardless of the situation, as indicated in OECD Due Diligence Guidance Annexe II.
Diversity and Inclusion
We embrace diversity and seek to promote an inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and have a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and harassment. Discrimination and harassment based on sex, race, religion, colour, national or social origin, disability, genetic information, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military service, veteran status or any protected status will not be tolerated.
We base recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and advancement at 33Carat on objective lines of qualifications, performance, skills, and experience. Harassment in the work environment or any work-related environment outside of the workplace is not tolerated.
Work Hours, Wages and Benefits
We observe all laws related to wages and benefits, including laws related to wages, working hours, rest periods, and overtime.
Safe Workplace & Security
Our Company is committed to providing safe, secure working conditions and workplaces that promote health and well-being. We will take appropriate measures to ensure the security of our employees dealing with valuables in our operations and during transportation to and from our operations.
Environmental Responsibility
We will conduct business in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes assessing and managing our environmental footprint and minimizing negative environmental impacts resulting from our operations
Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining
We respect our employees’ right to join, form or not to join a trade union without fear of reprisal, intimidation or harassment.
Community Development
We aim to support the economic and social development of the communities in which we operate. We also encourage employees to volunteer their time on community projects that have social benefits, and to support them where possible.
Guidance and Reporting for Employees
At 33Carat, we will always operate transparently and honestly. We will comply with all applicable labour and employment laws and will inform employees about this Ethical Business Policy through annual communication and education as part of the Code of Conduct training.
All employees who believe a violation of this Policy has taken place should raise their concern with their manager or Human Resources without fear of any retaliation.
