PARIS — French luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton has launched its first Human Rights Charter, underscoring the importance of protecting brand reputation as consumers place growing emphasis on good corporate citizenship, WWD has learned.
The document published on Wednesday guarantees the enforcement of universal principles, freedoms and fundamental rights as laid out in international conventions, including the International Bill of Human Rights.
It also engages the responsibility of the group’s suppliers and other business partners — a key point given the supply chain scandals that have plagued the luxury sector over the last two years.
“Respect for human rights is both an ethical imperative and a condition for the sustainability of the group’s operations,” LVMH said in the document seen by WWD.
The group has named Julie Vallat vice president, human rights, reporting to Olivier Théophile, group senior vice president, social engagement. Vallat, who joined at the end of April, is charged with steering the implementation of the roadmap across LVMH and its 75-odd brands, which include Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Sephora.
