De Beers outlines child labour prevention through international human rights frameworks

De Beers continues to reference its 2025 Statement on the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains as part of its responsible sourcing framework in 2026. The statement explains how the company applies human rights due diligence, supplier requirements, and internationally recognised standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to support child labour prevention across its operations and supply chain.

The statement describes child labour prevention as part of the company's broader human rights and supply chain governance programme. According to De Beers, supplier expectations, internal oversight processes, and ongoing risk assessments are intended to identify and address potential labour-related risks while supporting compliance with applicable legislation and recognised international standards.

The UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights provide a framework for businesses to respect human rights through continuous due diligence. Under this approach, companies are expected to identify potential human rights impacts, implement measures to reduce risks, monitor the effectiveness of those measures, and communicate relevant information to stakeholders. De Beers states that its governance processes incorporate these principles within its responsible sourcing programme.

The company's approach also aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are relevant to labour rights and responsible business conduct. These include SDG 8, which calls for the eradication of forced labour and child labour, SDG 4, which supports access to quality education, and SDG 16, which promotes effective institutions, accountability, and the rule of law. Together, these international frameworks provide guidance for organisations seeking to strengthen supply chain oversight and human rights protections.

According to the statement, De Beers applies a risk-based approach to responsible sourcing through supplier standards, contractual expectations, monitoring activities, and governance procedures. These measures are designed to strengthen transparency throughout the diamond value chain while supporting compliance with the company's policies on labour rights and ethical business conduct.

The statement also explains that responsible sourcing is an ongoing process rather than a single compliance exercise. Human rights due diligence requires companies to review evolving risks, engage with suppliers where appropriate, evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls, and update policies when necessary. This continuous approach reflects the expectations set out in the UN Guiding Principles and other internationally recognised due diligence frameworks.

Industry observers note that child labour risks remain a broader challenge across global mineral supply chains, particularly in regions where informal or artisanal mining activities occur. International organisations continue to encourage collaboration between governments, businesses, local communities, and civil society to improve traceability, strengthen governance, and reduce the conditions that contribute to labour exploitation. These wider challenges extend beyond any single company and require coordinated action across the sector.

De Beers states that its responsible sourcing programme is supported by corporate governance policies, supplier expectations, and public reporting intended to provide transparency regarding its approach to human rights. The company continues to publish policy documents covering forced labour, child labour, business integrity, and responsible sourcing as part of its wider governance framework.

As international expectations surrounding supply chain transparency continue to evolve in 2026, frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals remain widely referenced by companies seeking to strengthen human rights due diligence and child labour prevention measures. De Beers' published statement reflects how these globally recognised principles are incorporated into its documented approach to responsible sourcing and supply chain oversight.

About De Beers

De Beers is an international diamond company operating across diamond exploration, mining, trading, and retail activities. The company publishes policies and governance documents covering responsible sourcing, human rights, business integrity, and supply chain compliance as part of its corporate reporting framework.