Anti-Slavery and Human trafficking Policy Template for Switzerland

An Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy outlines how Swiss organizations prevent and combat modern slavery, forced labor, and human exploitation in their operations and supply chains. It aligns with Switzerland's criminal code provisions against trafficking and supports the country's commitments under international conventions like the Palermo Protocol.

The policy helps companies demonstrate their compliance with Swiss due diligence requirements and protect vulnerable workers. It typically includes reporting procedures, risk assessment guidelines, and clear steps for identifying and addressing potential violations. Swiss businesses use these policies to train employees, screen suppliers, and maintain ethical business practices across their global networks.

Swiss companies need an Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy when expanding their operations internationally or working with suppliers from high-risk regions. The policy becomes essential when entering new markets, especially in countries where forced labor and trafficking risks are significant, or when bidding on government contracts that require human rights compliance documentation.

This policy proves particularly valuable during due diligence processes, merger negotiations, or when seeking certification for ethical trade standards. Companies also rely on it when training new employees, establishing supplier relationships, or responding to stakeholder inquiries about their human rights commitments under Swiss law and international conventions.

• Basic Compliance Policy: Focuses on core legal requirements under Swiss law, including reporting mechanisms and basic supplier screening procedures
• Comprehensive Enterprise Policy: Covers extended supply chain monitoring, detailed risk assessments, and robust remediation procedures for large organizations
• SME-Adapted Policy: Streamlined version tailored for small and medium enterprises, with practical implementation steps and simplified monitoring processes
• Industry-Specific Policy: Contains sector-specific risk factors and compliance measures, especially for high-risk industries like manufacturing or construction
• International Operations Policy: Enhanced version for Swiss companies with global operations, incorporating cross-border requirements and multi-jurisdiction compliance

• Corporate Legal Teams: Draft and update the Anti-Slavery Policy, ensuring alignment with Swiss regulations and international standards
• Board Members: Review and approve policy implementation, oversee compliance programs, and sign off on annual statements
• HR Departments: Train employees, manage reporting mechanisms, and implement worker protection measures
• Procurement Teams: Screen suppliers, conduct due diligence, and maintain compliant supply chain relationships
• External Auditors: Verify policy effectiveness and compliance through regular assessments
• Supply Chain Partners: Adhere to policy requirements and demonstrate compliance through documentation

• Supply Chain Mapping: Document all suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners, including their locations and risk levels
• Risk Assessment: Analyze operations for potential exposure to trafficking risks, especially in high-risk regions or industries
• Legal Requirements: Review Swiss anti-trafficking laws and international conventions your organization must follow
• Internal Procedures: Gather existing reporting mechanisms, training programs, and compliance processes
• Stakeholder Input: Consult with key departments like HR, Legal, and Procurement on practical implementation needs
• Documentation Systems: Set up record-keeping procedures for due diligence and compliance evidence

• Policy Statement: Clear commitment to preventing slavery and human trafficking in operations and supply chains
• Scope Definition: Detailed coverage of all business activities, subsidiaries, and supply chain relationships
• Due Diligence Procedures: Specific steps for supplier assessment and monitoring under Swiss regulations
• Risk Assessment Framework: Methods for identifying and evaluating potential trafficking risks
• Reporting Mechanisms: Confidential channels for reporting violations and protecting whistleblowers
• Training Requirements: Mandatory staff education programs and awareness initiatives
• Enforcement Measures: Consequences for non-compliance and remediation procedures

While both documents focus on ethical business conduct, an Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy differs significantly from a Compliance and Ethics Policy in several key aspects:

• Scope and Focus: Anti-Slavery policies specifically target forced labor and trafficking risks in supply chains, while Compliance and Ethics policies cover broader ethical business conduct
• Legal Framework: Anti-Slavery policies align with specific Swiss anti-trafficking laws and international conventions, whereas Ethics policies address general corporate governance standards
• Due Diligence Requirements: Anti-Slavery policies mandate detailed supplier screening and risk assessments, while Ethics policies focus more on internal conduct and decision-making
• Reporting Mechanisms: Anti-Slavery policies require specialized reporting channels for trafficking concerns, compared to the general misconduct reporting in Ethics policies
• Implementation Focus: Anti-Slavery policies emphasize supply chain monitoring and worker protection, while Ethics policies prioritize organizational culture and employee behavior