The board of directors of Norilsk Nickel has approved an updated policy on interaction with indigenous peoples, developed with the participation of independent experts and in consultation with communities and associations of indigenous peoples.
In the document, the company took into account international standards, UN guidelines and best practices, outlined algorithms for interaction with indigenous peoples in various situations, due diligence measures and the principle of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).
According to the policy, the company recognizes the vulnerability of indigenous peoples and their right to independently determine development priorities, respects their dignity, history, identity, traditions and heritage.
An independent audit of the agreement’s implementation will be conducted every three years focusing on the provisions of the policy, agreements and programs developed with the participation and in the interests of indigenous peoples. There is an independent complaints mechanism in place, too.
"In the new version of the policy, the company has worked out all aspects of engagement with indigenous peoples in more detail. A truly large-scale and multifaceted work has been done. UN experts participated in its preparation, and the consultations with representatives of indigenous peoples were held directly in their places of residence. Norilsk Nickel advocates for a productive and open dialogue between indigenous peoples and business," said Andrey Grachev, Vice President of Norilsk Nickel for Federal and Regional Programs.
Antonina Gorbunova, a member of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, is convinced that the adoption of Norilsk Nickel's new policy will contribute to improving the company's corporate culture and developing a system of voluntary business commitments regarding the rights of indigenous peoples in general.
Theodor Lisovoy, Managing Editor, Rough&Polished
