The protection of human rights is not only the responsibility of the state. Companies also have a responsibility to uphold human rights within their sphere of influence and to ensure that they are not complicit in the rights violations of others.
This also applies to tourism, with its complex value chain and large number of service providers and destinations. The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) has been in force in Germany since 2023. The aim of this law is to protect human rights within global supply chains and prohibit child and forced labor, for example. Environmental damage is also to be avoided – for example by banning the export of hazardous waste or excessive water consumption. All business partners of the DERTOUR Group are subject to the Supplier Code of Conduct.
Among other things, the LkSG requires companies to set up a human rights and environmental risk management system for all business processes. An annual risk assessment is carried out for this purpose. However, ad-hoc audits are also necessary when new target areas are opened up or when there are changes at suppliers. Preventive measures such as training or audits are used to identify and avoid potential violations at an early stage. Compliance with the law is checked by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA).
DERTOUR Deutschland GmbH and DER Deutsches Reisebüro GmbH & Co. OHG have each drawn up a declaration of principles applicable to them in which they commit themselves to respecting human rights and the environment. In the declarations of principle, the companies explain their approach to implementing human rights and environmental due diligence obligations.
…both companies use risk analyses to examine particular risks in their supply chains and have been working for years to strengthen human rights and improve working conditions through specific projects and measures.
REWE Group’s declaration of principles can be viewed on its website (available in German only).
The implementation of a complaints procedure is required by law as part of the LkSG. REWE Group has set up an internal complaints channel. The aim is to identify and reduce risks in its own business area and along the supply chain of REWE Group and its subsidiaries and to take remedial action if necessary. The complaints procedure is also an early warning system through which problems are identified and, in the best case, resolved before people or the environment are actually harmed.
All employees of all business units and all travelers have the opportunity to report potential violations or suspected misconduct regarding respect for human rights and environmental concerns at REWE Group and its (indirect) suppliers. Complaints about all REWE Group subsidiaries can be submitted via the complaints system.
In addition, the DERTOUR Group is currently developing a training program for employees and service providers as part of an industry project with various stakeholders to raise awareness and teach practical measures to protect human rights.
