We are committed to respecting human rights in the countries and communities where we operate. Because human rights issues cut across many aspects of our business, our commitment is not based on a single activity but, rather, on the totality of our efforts — internally and externally. These include our policies, management practices, executive involvement, community programs, and participation in voluntary initiatives.

Our Values, Policies and Performance

Our support for human rights begins with The Chevron Way, a statement of values that guide our actions. Our values include integrity, trust, partnership, diversity, and protecting people and the environment.

Our Human Rights Statement, adopted in 2006, reaffirms the manner in which we operate and is consistent with human rights principles applicable to business. We recognize the relevant ideals in the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Labour Organization's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Our global HIV/AIDS policy affirms that employees suffering from or otherwise affected by HIV/AIDS are protected by the company's existing policies on discrimination and harassment. Our Business Conduct and Ethics Code, which all employees must read and acknowledge, was updated in 2008 to incorporate our Human Rights Statement.

We continue to reinforce human rights issues through education and computerbased training. Throughout 2008, we deepened our dialogue with thought leaders — nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), government and academia — on the appropriate role of business. We held a three-day workshop for our Global Security advisors that included emerging security and human rights issues.

Chevron has long supported the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation and endorsed the Global Sullivan Principles. The principles promote business support for human rights, economic justice, racial and gender equality, sustainable development, and a healthy environment. In 2008, Chevron sponsored the eighth Leon H. Sullivan Summit in Tanzania, and Vice Chairman Peter Robertson gave an address on the company's efforts toward achieving sustainable growth by "helping others help themselves."

Support for the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights

In 2008, we released our Guidelines on the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. The guidelines describe our operational framework for security where we operate and are consistent with the Voluntary Principles. Management in our country business units is required to implement the guidelines to fit local circumstances.

Our business units are committed to supporting the Voluntary Principles in accordance with local laws and conditions. In many areas where we operate, we communicate and reinforce the principles with host governments and their security forces, and with private security with whom we sometimes work. We also have begun to include Voluntary Principles considerations in contractual agreements with private security groups. Our business units participate in multistakeholder briefings and share practices regarding the principles with host governments, companies and NGOs.

The Voluntary Principles are not a panacea for security and human rights issues, but they are a building block on which progress is measured in increments. Their success cannot be guaranteed by a single actor but requires the concerted efforts of government, companies and NGOs, aided by mutual support and reinforcement.

Along with integrating the principles in our security and human rights processes internally, Chevron promotes the principles externally. We have participated in plenary meetings since 2004. We helped develop the formal criteria for participation in the Voluntary Principles, and we participate in a multistakeholder working group that is developing participant guidelines for reporting. We shared our experiences through participation in meetings with the U.S. State Department and in security and human rights workshops organized by the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association, of which Chevron is a member.

Communities

Our community engagement programs are an integral part of our commitment to human rights and focus on improving access to basic needs, supporting education and health care, and promoting economic livelihoods. By strengthening communities where we operate, we help empower individuals to realize their potential and pursue productive opportunities.

Chevron's Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is part of the Environmental, Social and Health Impact Assessment performed on new capital projects. SIAs look at many types of social issues that potentially have human rights components. The subject matter is determined case by case, and may cover potential impacts on a broad range of issues, such as availability and access to food and shelter, family structure, relationships among groups, traditions, beliefs, cultural and faith-based practices, and cultural property. SIAs also include an understanding of the macro-level influences on local communities, such as national regulations concerning labor, elements of international standards, applicable laws and company policies.

Human Rights Campaign Recognizes Chevron

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation awarded Chevron a perfect score on its Corporate Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year. The foundation rated nearly 600 businesses on their policies and treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) employees, consumers and investors. Chevron’s nondiscrimination policies, domestic-partner benefits, diversity training and PRIDE (Promote Respect, Inclusion and Dignity for Everyone) employee network were all factors in the 100 percent rating, recognizing Chevron as a best place to work. The Human Rights Campaign is the largest U.S. civil rights organization working toward GLBT equality.

Updated: May 2009

Human Rights Statement

In early 2006, Chevron adopted a Human Rights Statement.

Read Statement  (104 KB)

Voluntary Principles

Balancing the need for safety while respecting human rights.

Visit VoluntaryPrinciples.org