Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
At Sheena Mills Ltd we are committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking within our business operations and supply chains. This statement outlines the steps we are taking to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and our dedication to ethical practices throughout our operations, including the sourcing of food products from Pakistan.
Our Business and Supply Chain
Sheena Mills Ltd specializes in the sourcing, processing, and distribution of food products, including rice, pulses, grains and oils, primarily sourced from Pakistan. Our operations involve partnerships with farmers, mills, and logistics providers, all of whom play a crucial role in our supply chain.
We recognize that the agricultural sector, particularly in developing countries, can be vulnerable to risks of modern slavery due to systemic issues such as low wages, informal labour, and limited regulatory oversight.
Our Policies
We are committed to ethical conduct and have implemented the following policies:
- Supplier Code of Conduct: All suppliers are required to adhere to our standards, which prohibit forced labour, child labour, and other forms of exploitation.
- Employee Awareness and Training: Our staff are trained to identify and report any indicators of modern slavery in our operations and supply chain.
- Whistleblowing Policy: We provide a confidential channel for employees and stakeholders to report concerns related to unethical practices, including modern slavery.
Specific Initiatives in Pakistan
To mitigate the risks of modern slavery in our operations, we have implemented the following measures:
- Fair Payment to Farmers: We work directly with farmer collectives in Pakistan to eliminate exploitative middlemen. By paying farmers above-market rates for their crops, we ensure they receive fair compensation for their work.
- Safe Working Conditions in Mills: Our partnered mills adhere to stringent labour standards, ensuring safe working environments. We conduct regular inspections to verify compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Eliminating Child and Forced Labour: We require all suppliers in Pakistan to certify that their operations are free from child labour and forced labour. Suppliers must agree to our Code of Conduct, which prohibits these practices.
- Capacity Building for Farmers: We provide training and resources to farmers to improve their yield and profitability. This reduces their reliance on informal labour, which is often associated with exploitative practices.
- Community Engagement: We partner with local NGOs to raise awareness of labour rights among workers and farmers. These collaborations include education programs on ethical practices and support for vulnerable communities.
- Audit and Verification: Independent third-party auditors assess compliance with labour and human rights standards. These audits include unannounced visits to farms and processing facilities to ensure transparency.
- Empowering Women in the Workforce: We actively promote gender equality by supporting initiatives that create job opportunities for women in farming and processing, addressing gender-based exploitation risks.
Monitoring and Review
We regularly review these initiatives to ensure they remain effective in addressing the unique challenges of modern slavery in Pakistan.
Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
We conduct regular risk assessments of our supply chain, focusing on high-risk regions and sectors. For food products sourced from Pakistan, we work directly with farmer collectives and mill operators to promote fair wages and safe working conditions.
Our due diligence process includes:
- Mapping our supply chain to identify potential risks.
- Conducting audits of high-risk suppliers to ensure compliance with labour standards.
- Partnering with local organizations to support education and awareness on ethical labour practices.
Ongoing Commitment
We understand that addressing modern slavery requires continuous effort. To this end, we will:
- Monitor and review our practices regularly to improve transparency and compliance.
- Collaborate with stakeholders, including local NGOs and industry groups, to support initiatives that combat modern slavery.
- Publish an updated modern slavery statement annually to reflect our progress and actions taken.
This statement is made pursuant to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and applies to the financial year ending 2024/25 It has been approved by the Board of Directors of Sheena Mills Ltd
Signed,
Greg Kirby
Director
11/11/2024