Human rights
Audi employs approximately 84,000 people in the companies of its brand group around the world and awards contracts to around 12,300 suppliers and business partners in 59 countries. The observance of human rights is therefore an integral part of responsible corporate governance, both for AUDI AG and for the entire Audi Group, in the supply chain and at business partners.
As a global provider of premium vehicles and mobility services, Audi aims to create long-term economic value while continuing to reduce the potential negative impacts of its business activities on the environment and society through its sustainability concept. Entrepreneurial action also comes with a wide range of risks. The Audi value chain is globally networked and multi-tiered, while many areas of the company are also closely integrated into the processes of the Volkswagen Group.
The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights were made mandatory under the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) that took effect in Germany on January 1, 2023. The objective is to respect and practice human rights and environmental protection in all processes that can be influenced. With the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the European Union has adopted a Europe-wide supply chain directive to implement human rights and environmental due diligence obligations. It must be transposed into national law by the Member States by 2028. For Germany, this will require an amendment to the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG).
Governance
The commitment of AUDI AG to the fundamental aspects of business and human rights is anchored in the binding Audi Code of Conduct and Code of Conduct for Business Partners, the Compliance Management System and internal policies. The Statement of Principle on Respect for and Observance of Human Rights describes the human rights and environmental expectations of AUDI AG and provides the binding framework for corporate action. It is reviewed annually and amended as necessary.
Human rights expectations for employees and business partners are set out in binding rules and regulations and integrated into the relevant business processes.
Responsible: Human Rights Officer at Audi
As Audi’s Human Rights Officer, Daniel Patnaik and his team monitor the adequacy and effectiveness of human rights risk management within the Audi Group and along the supply chain, support its further development and report directly to the Board of Management of AUDI AG.
Responsibility in the company
As part of the Compliance Management System, a central responsibility for the topic of business and human rights is assumed by the compliance organization of AUDI AG. This organization conducts a continuous dialogue with various functions, departments and Group coordination. Close collaboration between different specialist departments ensures that human rights requirements are identified at an early stage and addressed effectively. Responsible supply chain management is also a fundamental element for upholding human rights in cooperation with suppliers.
Reporting
As part of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, Audi issues an annual statement about the measures it has taken and the management policies it has introduced to fight modern forms of slavery.
For the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years, AUDI AG reported on its human rights‑related activities in the form of reports on the LkSG. The statutory reporting obligations under the LkSG have been amended. AUDI AG will continue to publish information on its human rights due diligence as part of its sustainability reporting.
Contact
The following complaints and whistleblowing mechanisms are in place for potential corporate human rights violations:
