Our Executive Committee has approved our Position on Human Rights and is responsible for its implementation, overseeing stakeholders' engagement, monitoring compliance, addressing violations and ensuring access to remedies when needed. [...] The commitment to human rights we outline in our Position on Human Rights is aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and informed by the International Labor Organization's (ILO's) 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Our Position on Human Rights is publicly available on our website, ensuring stakeholders and partners are well informed about our practices and policies. [...] Ahold Delhaize's Standards of Engagement are comprehensive requirements that our suppliers maintain the same high level of business ethics, regard for human rights and respect for the environment as do Ahold Delhaize and its brands. The Standards of Engagement are approved by the CLO, who is also responsible for their global implementation. [...] The Standards of Engagement define our expectations and aim to ensure that our brands' suppliers maintain the same high level of business ethics and regard for human rights and the environment as Ahold Delhaize and its brands. The Standards of Engagement are integral to the contractual relationships with these suppliers. [...] The Standards of Engagement are aligned with the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and further informed by the ILO's Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the amfori BSCI Code of Conduct. [...] Our Standards of Engagement 4.0, adopted on January 1, 2024, are fully aligned with our Position on Human Rights, explicitly addressing the salient human rights impacts. Key updates include the implementation of age-verification mechanisms and the international principles on responsible recruitment, reflecting the findings of our human rights due diligence process and stakeholders' expectations. [...] These updated Standards also strengthen the framework for monitoring and investigating suppliers, with closer cooperation, in the case of reports or allegations of serious compliance issues. The updated Standards now apply to all suppliers, extending beyond own-brand suppliers to include national-brand and not-for-resale suppliers, and those outside high-risk countries. [...] All suppliers – regardless of category – are required to report any allegations or incidents of serious noncompliance and must allow Ahold Delhaize to investigate these reports. Version 4.0 will replace version 3.0 over a three-year period, effective from January 1, 2024. All new contracts or contract renewals will adhere to the revised Standards, ensuring a structured transition process. To further support this transition, the Ahold Delhaize website includes a video introduction and a guidance document for suppliers, which contains additional resources to help them learn more about specific requirements. [...] In cases where suppliers operate in high-risk countries or have an elevated risk of noncompliance, Ahold Delhaize may require suppliers to provide an amfori BSCI audit or equivalent assurance. For more information on requirements applicable to own-brand suppliers located in high-risk countries, see Social compliance. [...] If significant breaches take place, such as child labor or forced labor, suppliers are obligated to immediately notify Ahold Delhaize, initiate an investigation, implement corrective measures and provide full cooperation throughout the remediation process. Ahold Delhaize reserves the right to suspend business relationships until these issues are fully resolved to its satisfaction. In 2024, Ahold Delhaize introduced reporting on deal-breakers, which includes severe cases of non-respect of these international standards. The approach to deal-breakers and broader remediation efforts is outlined under Social compliance.