Respecting Human Rights

Huawei believes that connectivity is a basic right for every human being. We want to build better network connectivity and provide convenient and affordable information and communications services to billions of people around the world using our innovative technologies. Ubiquitous broadband and connectivity will create jobs, promote development, decrease poverty, and improve quality of life. In addition, connectivity will help us respond to global challenges, reduce the human impact on the environment, and provide essential communications services to support rescue and relief efforts during natural disasters.

Huawei is committed to adhering to all applicable international conventions and national laws and policies, and respects all basic human rights as promoted by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . We develop products and services in compliance with international standards and certifications. We strive to prevent our business activities from causing or contributing to any adverse impacts on human rights. Huawei has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) since 2004, and a member of the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) since 2018. In addition, Huawei is committed to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and standards released by the International Labour Organization.

Key areas

Huawei's CSD Committee is responsible for overseeing any human rights risks that may exist within our business activities or supply chain, and strengthening our management of key areas that may impact human rights.

• Ensuring that technology is used to benefit humanity: Technology should be used to enhance human, social, and environmental well-being. Huawei firmly opposes any use of technology that has an adverse impact on human rights. We carefully evaluate the long-term and potential impact of our new technologies on society, based on widely recognized industry standards, throughout the design, development, and use of our products, and work hard to ensure that our products and services are used in accordance with their intended commercial purpose. To address the unknown risks that may arise from the widespread use of new technologies, Huawei has expanded its existing processes and governance programs, and we are committed to working with our suppliers, partners, and customers to manage any potential adverse impact of technology development.
• Protecting privacy: Huawei attaches great importance to privacy protection, and we take our responsibilities seriously. We are committed to complying with applicable privacy laws worldwide, including China's Personal Information Protection Law and the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Huawei has embedded privacy protection requirements into our corporate governance and every phase of our personal data processing lifecycle. We follow the principles of privacy and security by design and by default and conduct privacy impact assessments before the release of any product or service, paying careful attention to sensitive personal data and sensitive usage. Huawei also requires its suppliers to comply with requirements for personal data protection. In addition, Huawei requires all of its employees to receive privacy training to enhance their understanding of the domain.
• Safeguarding labor rights: Huawei supports and protects the rights of its employees through detailed, equitable regulations that cover all stages of an employee's relationship with the company, including recruitment, employment, and exit. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all employees. When it comes to employee recruitment, promotion, and compensation, we do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, age, or disability. We prohibit all use of forced labor, whether overt or covert, and all use of child labor.
• Maintaining a responsible supply chain: Huawei has established a CSR management system for procurement in accordance with the UN's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct. The CSR agreements that we sign with suppliers are prepared according to internationally recognized industry standards such as the RBA Code of Conduct, the JAC Supply Chain Sustainability Guidelines, and the IPC-1401 Corporate Social Responsibility Management System Standard. During this process, Huawei also works closely with its supply chain partners, both upstream and downstream. In addition, we comply with our customers' sustainability requirements and conduct joint audits with them. We also require our direct suppliers to cascade our requirements to their sub-tier suppliers, asking them to respect the rights of their employees and comply with all legal requirements regarding environmental protection, health and safety, privacy, and anti-bribery compliance. Together, our goal is to create a responsible supply chain. Huawei has a comprehensive qualification process for all new suppliers, and carries out risk-informed annual audits on current suppliers. All suppliers are evaluated based on their sustainability performance, the results of audits, and the completion of any corrective actions. Huawei has a zero-tolerance policy towards the use of forced labor. If a supplier is found to have violated this policy, we will take disciplinary action against them, such as terminating our business relationship. To date, no use of forced labor has been discovered among our suppliers.

Respecting human rights has been a long-standing focus for Huawei. While remaining committed to observing applicable laws, regulations, and standards, we actively communicate with international organizations, governments, and industry institutions to develop human rights standards and guidelines for the use of new technologies. At the same time, we will continue to optimize management mechanisms and work with our suppliers, partners, and customers to promptly identify, manage, and mitigate any human rights risks or adverse impacts.