Global Human Rights

As one of the most recognized and respected companies in healthcare, Baxter respects Human Rights, dignity and the diverse contributions of all individuals. These comprehensive principles are documented in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Baxter’s Code of Conduct, Labor Standards Assurance Systems, and Sustainability Program, as well as numerous global policies that set the Company’s direction. More importantly, these principles are reflected in the actions of every Baxter employee worldwide since these principles are at the very core of how and why we do business.

Fostering Human Rights in our direct and indirect actions takes many forms. At Baxter, we are committed to:

• Ensuring fair employment practices at Baxter and in our external supply chain, including complying with laws governing workers’ human rights and those prohibiting human trafficking and any form of forced, indentured, slave or child labor.
• Ensuring comprehensive compensation and benefits programs that align with the market, reward individual and business performance and comply with laws, including those governing minimum wage, overtime hours and mandated benefits.
• Fostering an environment of open communication where employees express ideas, concerns and issues appropriately and without retaliation, including through the company’s Ethics and Compliance Helpline.
• Promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, military, veteran or other protected status. All experiences and perspectives are respected and valued.
• Promoting ethical conduct and legal compliance with our own employees and operations as well as throughout our value chain, including to our suppliers, distributors and sales agents worldwide. We also encourage suppliers to utilize the company's Ethics and Compliance Helpline to raise ethical concerns.
• Protecting the privacy of our employees, customers and their patients.
• Promoting a safe and healthy work environment where risk is reduced to prevent employee injuries, employee wellness is enhanced, and verbal or physical harassment or intimidation is not tolerated. Our commitment to worksite safety includes emergency response and preparedness to minimize potential safety impacts in our communities.
• Strengthening access to healthcare, including those currently underserved by the healthcare system.
• Through Baxter's supplier standards and requirements, as well as through partnerships with external organizations such as the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI), Baxter is committed to upholding labor, ethics, and environmental health and safety standards across its supply chain. Baxter expects our suppliers to commit to respecting human rights as outlined in this Human Rights Policy or the suppliers' own similar policies.
• To further the goals of this policy, Baxter commits to make appropriate training available to employees and targeted suppliers, to conduct supplier assessments, and to report progress.