
Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
Riksja Travel acknowledges its responsibility towards society to be a good corporate citizen. In order to reach its goals within Corporate Responsibility, Riksja Travel cooperates closely with its own employees, customers, partners such as NGOs, locals at destinations and its suppliers. Riksja Travel wants to ensure that its local agents and any other suppliers (herein referred to as ‘Supplier’ or collectively
as ‘Suppliers’) take part in this action towards more responsible tourism. This Supplier Code of Conduct forms an integral part of Riksja Travel contract with its Suppliers.
Compliance with applicable law in general
Riksja Travel expects its Suppliers to comply with all applicable international, national and local laws and regulations, industry minimum standards and any other relevant statutory requirements whichever requirements are more stringent.
Transport
Means of transport should comply with the legal local standard. The Supplier should consider minimum quality and safety arguments when selecting coach transport. The Supplier is responsible for training of drivers and a code of conduct with regards to driving. The Supplier will take care of environmentally friendly transport, if available. The Supplier will make efforts to use the latest models of
transport, which exhale the least amount of CO2 and will try to renew these models on a regular basis.
Accommodation
The Supplier will stimulate the use of accommodations that do not damage the environment and will prefer the use of sustainable accommodation, in case of equal possibilities. In case of clear evidence that contracted accommodations jeopardize the provision or integrity of basic services such as food, water, energy, healthcare or soil to the neighboring communities it can be reason to terminate the co-operation with the accommodation. Preference is given to accommodations that work with internationally acknowledged (e.g. GSTC recognized) and/or
Travelife certification (taking into account price and comfort criteria). Basic/standard sustainability clause(s) are included in all Supplier’s contracts with accommodation providers. (e.g. child labour, anti-corruption and bribery, waste management and protection of biodiversity).
Entertainment/excursions
Excursions and attractions in which captive wildlife is held are not offered, except for properly regulated activities in compliance with local, national and international law. Excursions which include interactions with wildlife comply with relevant codes
of conduct. Any disturbance of natural ecosystems is minimized. Where available preference is given to excursions that operate on the basis of
acknowledged and controlled sustainability standards. The company offers no products or services of excursion providers that harm humans, animals, plants, natural resources (e.g. water/energy), or which are socially/culturally unacceptable, such as elephant rides.
Sexual exploitation of children and adolescents
The Supplier allows or tolerates no child prostitution at the premises and facilities of subcontracted accommodations. Any suspicious behavior from guests, employees, staff from suppliers of the Supplier or any other person on the Suppliers premises or during excursions must be report to the local authorities by the Supplier. Riksja Travel will end the contractual agreement prematurely if the Supplier does not take adequate measures to prevent sexual exploitation of children within the direct supply chain (e.g. accommodations and excursions).
Human rights & labour conditions
Local partners comply with all relevant national laws protecting the rights of employees. Basic Rights:
The Supplier shall not discriminate based on gender, age, religion, race, tribe, caste, social background, disability, nationality, membership in workers’ organizations, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics. All employees shall be free to enter their employment with the Supplier through their own choice and shall also be free to terminate their employment when they choose without penalty, as long as the process occurs in accordance with the (oral or written) employment contract; All forms of forced labour are forbidden; The freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining shall be recognized by the Supplier; Workplace practice
and conditions which violate basic rights are not allowed: Physical abuse or punishment or threat of physical abuse or punishment, any kind of sexual or other harassment and other forms of intimidation are prohibited; The Supplier provides a means through which staff can make representation to senior management about key employment issues. The Supplier provides for an effective complaints procedure through which employees may raise grievances (including those about harassment) and seek redress.
Safe workplace & child labour
The Supplier must ensure a safe workplace and protect children from exploitation. Children under 15 may not be employed, unless local law sets a higher minimum age. In developing countries, 14 may apply under ILO Convention 138. Children aged 13 (or 12) may do light work if it’s safe and doesn’t interfere with school. Hazardous work is never allowed for anyone under 18. Young workers (14–18) must be treated with extra care, including limits on working hours. The Supplier must not (directly or indirectly) contract accommodations that use forced labour or child labour—this includes children doing work normally done by adults. If children under 14 are involved in work, it must comply with the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child and ILO standards, and be covered in the contract. Riksja Travel follows the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. While we are usually only linked to potential risks like child labour via our supply chain, we expect the Supplier to use their influence to prevent or reduce such risks.
Wages and working hours
Wages paid by the Supplier must meet or exceed legal minimums and/or industry standards. No illegal or unauthorized deductions from wages are allowed; Working hours of the employees are to be kept in line with the legal requirements and / or industry standards; The employees shall be granted their stipulated annual leave and sick leave without any form of repercussions; Female employees shall be granted their stipulated maternity leave and other rights in case of pregnancy. Environment Suppliers shall minimize their negative impact on the environment; The Supplier shall actively reduce the amount of energy and water used and shall minimize the use of chemicals known to cause damage or pose risks to health and/or the environment; The Supplier shall comply with mandatory national and international law, particularly in regard to the procedures and standards for waste management, handling and disposal of chemicals and other dangerous materials, emissions and
effluent treatment; The Supplier shall monitor and control wastewater and solid waste generated and shall treat it as required prior to discharge or disposal; Waste of all types shall be reduced to the greatest extent possible by the Supplier.
Local sourcing and benefiting communities
The Supplier shall actively choose locally produced goods in preference to imported ones wherever possible. The Supplier shall promote local products and services to guests, by recommending guides, restaurants, markets and craft centers wherever possible.
Monitoring & enforcement
As a principle, Riksja Travel trusts all its Suppliers to respect the terms and conditions of this Supplier Code of Conduct and to actively do their utmost to achieve Riksja Travel standards. The Supplier shall ensure that the principles set forth herein are communicated, implemented and adopted within their own business. The Supplier shall involve employees, management and other stakeholders such as the communities in an appropriate way; The Supplier is encouraged to take steps to promote adherence to this Supplier Code of Conduct throughout their own supply chain. However, the Suppliers sub-contractors are not bound by the terms of this Supplier Code of Conduct. When being prompted, the
Supplier shall report in a self-assessment modus about its compliance and progress in all matters mentioned herein. The Supplier shall complete the selfassessment forms fully, promptly and accurately; The Supplier agrees that its premises and facilities may be inspected and its compliance may be audited at any time by Riksja Travel and/or its representatives. The Supplier shall support such audit as far as reasonably possible. If the Supplier is in breach of the terms and conditions of this Supplier Code of Conduct (e.g. evidence of child labour, or an
employee of the Supplier acting as an intermediate for child prostitution, or disregard of ecological legislation) Riksja Travel shall be entitled to terminate any contract and cooperation with the Supplier with immediate effect and reserves to take any further legal action at its discretion.
