Public buyers often lack the resources and in-house expertise needed to effectively identify, prevent, mitigate and remedy adverse human rights impacts in their supply chains. We build the capacity of affiliated public buyers to adopt and implement socially responsible procurement policies and systems, and to use their leverage effectively to protect and promote the rights of workers in their supply chains.

Electronics Watch raises awareness about the severity and prevalence of risks to workers, and provides its affiliates with tools and guidance to strengthen their ability to drive change through procurement. Support for supply chain mapping, integrating human rights due diligence into procurement planning and contract management, the provision of procurement tools, webinars and resources, and facilitated peer learning opportunities are among the many ways we do this. We also facilitate collaboration between public buyers, helping them combine their leverage to increase their impact.

Contract performance management rather than certification

A contract for electronics products can be drafted in a way that helps detect breaches and improve conditions for workers who make the products. Electronics Watch has developed Contract Conditions which establish the legal framework for this process.

Contract performance management allows for long-term engagement with contractors and for sustainable processes of change during the entire duration of the contract. Electronics Watch does not certify or rate products, factories, or companies for compliance with labour rights and safety standards. No company can claim complete compliance in its supply chain.

Companies can find answers to some of their common questions here.

Effective due diligence

According to the UN Guiding Principles Reporting Framework, human rights due diligence is an ongoing risk management process that a reasonable and prudent company needs to follow to identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how it addresses its adverse human rights impacts.

The Electronics Watch Contract Conditions make that risk management process concrete, enforceable, and effective.

Contractors must achieve specific outcomes within their direct control or demonstrate effective due diligence towards achieving them. These outcomes serve to promote compliance with the Electronics Watch Code, supply chain transparency, and cooperation with Electronics Watch monitors.

Read more about the Electronics Watch Contract Conditions and Code.