Human Rights
Sentera is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking by enforcing strict ethical standards, integrating human rights due diligence, and aligning with key EU regulations, including Directive 2011/36/EU and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
Modern slavery and human trafficking
While traditional slavery is illegal worldwide, modern slavery manifests in practices such as debt bondage, forced marriage, and exploitation of vulnerable populations. Victims often suffer in silence due to fear, manipulation, or lack of access to justice.
Human trafficking refers to the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of individuals by means of force, deception, or abuse of power, carried out with the intent to exploit. This exploitation may include forced labour, sexual exploitation, slavery, or servitude.
What is the current legal framework in the European Union?
1. Directive 2011/36/EU (Updated in 2024)
Directive 2011/36/EU aims to prevent and combat human trafficking by criminalizing all forms of trafficking, including sexual exploitation, forced labor, and organ removal. It harmonizes penalties across EU member states, ensuring minimum sanctions and addressing aggravating factors like trafficking of children or involvement of organized crime.
The directive emphasizes victim protection by guaranteeing access to shelter, healthcare, legal aid, and special support for children. It also promotes prevention through awareness campaigns, official training, and demand reduction strategies. Lastly, it strengthens coordination and monitoring via the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and mandatory reporting by member states.
The revised directive (2024/1712) came into force on 14 July 2024, and Member States must transpose its provisions by 15 July 2026.
The directive emphasizes victim protection by guaranteeing access to shelter, healthcare, legal aid, and special support for children. It also promotes prevention through awareness campaigns, official training, and demand reduction strategies. Lastly, it strengthens coordination and monitoring via the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and mandatory reporting by member states.
The revised directive (2024/1712) came into force on 14 July 2024, and Member States must transpose its provisions by 15 July 2026.
2. Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) 2024/1760
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) 2024/1760 establishes a framework of due diligence for companies to identify actual or potential risks and harm to human rights and the environment as well as establishing processes and standards to diminish these risks. The directive will apply to a company's "chain of activities", as well as operations across the company's subsidiaries both inside and outside of Europe.
This directive applies to EU companies with at least 1,000 employees and €450 million turnover, and large non‑EU companies with significant EU sales. It was adopted in 2024. A phased implementation starts in 2027.
The purpose of the directive is to improve the regulatory framework on human rights and sustainability due diligence, which will aid in the EU's transition to a climate-neutral and green economy.
This directive applies to EU companies with at least 1,000 employees and €450 million turnover, and large non‑EU companies with significant EU sales. It was adopted in 2024. A phased implementation starts in 2027.
The purpose of the directive is to improve the regulatory framework on human rights and sustainability due diligence, which will aid in the EU's transition to a climate-neutral and green economy.
3. EU Charter of Fundamental Rights & European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) are two key instruments protecting human rights in Europe, but they differ in scope, legal basis, and enforcement.
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights was adopted by the European Union in 2000 and became legally binding in 2009 through the Treaty of Lisbon. It applies to EU institutions and to member states only when they are implementing EU law. The Charter covers a wide range of rights, including dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens’ rights, and justice. It also includes modern rights such as data protection and workers' rights. Legal enforcement falls under the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), based in Luxembourg.
In contrast, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1950 and entered into force in 1953. It applies to all 46 member states of the Council of Europe—more than just the EU—and is independent of EU law. The Convention guarantees classical civil and political rights such as the right to life, freedom of expression, prohibition of torture, and the right to a fair trial. Alleged violations can be brought before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg.
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights was adopted by the European Union in 2000 and became legally binding in 2009 through the Treaty of Lisbon. It applies to EU institutions and to member states only when they are implementing EU law. The Charter covers a wide range of rights, including dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens’ rights, and justice. It also includes modern rights such as data protection and workers' rights. Legal enforcement falls under the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), based in Luxembourg.
In contrast, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) was adopted by the Council of Europe in 1950 and entered into force in 1953. It applies to all 46 member states of the Council of Europe—more than just the EU—and is independent of EU law. The Convention guarantees classical civil and political rights such as the right to life, freedom of expression, prohibition of torture, and the right to a fair trial. Alleged violations can be brought before the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in Strasbourg.
Sentera's commitment to human rights and combating human trafficking and slavery
At Sentera, we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding and protecting human rights across all aspects of our operations. We foster a workplace environment where every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Our policies strictly prohibit discrimination, prejudice, and any form of exploitation, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of background, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
We actively promote diversity and inclusion and maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour. Sentera is dedicated to preventing any adverse human rights impacts linked to our business activities, including within our supply chain. We require our suppliers to exercise due diligence and adhere to ethical sourcing practices, especially concerning conflict minerals and labour conditions.
As part of our comprehensive human rights approach, we:
- Integrate due diligence into our policies to identify, prevent, and mitigate potential or actual negative impacts on human rights, including modern slavery and trafficking.
- Maintain robust procedures for confidential reporting of concerns related to human rights violations.
- Monitor and audit our supply chain to prevent the use of forced or child labour and to ensure compliance with ethical labour standards.
- Comply with international laws and frameworks aimed at combating human trafficking and exploitation. Through ongoing training and awareness, we empower employees and partners to recognize and address risks related to human trafficking and slavery. Our dedication extends beyond compliance; we strive to create a safe, fair, and inclusive environment where human rights are respected, protected, and promoted.