Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is pleased to announce the release of its expanded Human Rights Policy that reflects the company’s commitment to conducting business in a manner consistent with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Through this policy, Starwood shares its expectations for the treatment and employment of associates at owned, managed, and franchised properties, at companies throughout Starwood’s supply chain and with our business partners. The policy also highlights Starwood’s contributions to the prevention of human trafficking and the promotion of human rights in the communities in which it operates. It aligns with and supports the standards contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“At Starwood, we are fully committed to our company’s promise to ‘do the right thing’ throughout every step of our business operations, and our Human Rights statement, policies, training and response to issues are part of that commitment,” said Michelle Naggar, Vice President of Social Responsibility at Starwood Hotels. “Our updated Human Rights Policy elaborates on our expectations and exemplifies our dedication to creating a better world to experience.”
The new language was released by Starwood’s recently formed, executive-level Human Rights Council, which aspires to drive industry action in advancing the rights of people affected by the hospitality industry. The Human Rights Council is co-chaired by Ken Siegel, Starwood’s General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, and Jeff Cava, Starwood’s Chief Human Resources Officer.
In addition to the updated policy and launch of the company’s Human Rights Council, the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Foundation, Inc. has partnered with UNICEF to conduct a human rights impact assessment (HRIA) in Mexico. Findings of the assessment, which are focused on the actual and potential human and child rights risks and opportunities for the hospitality industry, will be made public later this year.
