Nordic firms failing on children’s rights
Nordic companies perform below the average global standards in relation to child welfare, according to a study of 300 of the region’s largest firms by Global Child Forum (GCF). Many of the companies are heavily dependent on Asian supply chains and are failing in relation to accountability, child labour and charitable programmes for children. Fiona Rotberg, research director at GCF, said that, contrary to the reputation of Nordic firms for social awareness, just 10% of the companies studied stated that their boards took responsibility in relation to children’s rights. Companies praised by GCF included Clas Ohlson, H&M and Trelleborg.

How are Nordic companies doing on children’s rights?

Nordic companies have a reputation for innovation and socially responsible forward-thinking. But how do the Nordics stack up when reporting on children’s rights?

Global Child Forum just launched the report focusing on the Nordic region – Children’s Rights and the Corporate Sector in the Nordic Region. This study is the latest in a series of regional and global benchmarks which scans companies from all compass points and identifies if they report on children’s rights indicators.

Do Nordic companies integrate children’s rights into core operations? Address and report on children’s rights issues? Engage with programs that benefit children?

The Nordic benchmark study scores 300 top companies headquartered in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland on these, and other, indicators. The benchmark then assigns both an aggregate regional score as well as individual company scores. All companies included in the study also receive a scorecard with their result and are given an opportunity to respond or give feedback.