Human Rights Policy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Policy is to set forth Argus Security Projects Ltd and its subsidiaries and affiliates (the “Company”) position with regard to the observance of human rights and international humanitarian law in the context of the Company’s business and operations. This Policy references the overarching human rights principles that guide the Company in the performance of its work.

POLICY

The Company will treat all persons with dignity and respect for human rights. The Company recognizes and respects all fundamental human rights and will be guided in the conduct of its business by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (the “Universal Declaration”) and other applicable human rights documents and principles.

The Company’s core business is providing security and safety to persons and property. In following the guidance set forth in this Policy, it is important to remember that the Company’s work at times may require Company personnel to take actions that put the lives and property of others at risk in order to provide safety and security to our customers and clients. The purpose of this Policy is not to reduce or constrain our level of service to our customers, but rather to provide guidance on permissible activity in the conduct of our business.

SCOPE

This Policy applies to all Company personnel, particularly those employees and contractors who carry weapons or perform work in hostile environments.

HUMAN RIGHTS PRINCIPLES

HUMAN RIGHTS OBLIGATIONS

The Company supports the enjoyment of the rights stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the enjoyment of the other commonly recognized human rights. These basic rights include the following:

• Right to life, liberty, and security of person. We recognize the right to pursue life, liberty, and the value of personal security.
• Freedom from torture or cruel, inhumane treatment or punishment. We do not tolerate actions that subject individuals to cruel or inhumane treatment, including any form of torture (as defined in the Convention Against Torture).
• Right of Recognition. We support the right of individuals to be recognized as persons before the law, with due process before appropriate tribunals.
• Freedom of expression and opinion. We support the rights of individuals to express their thoughts and opinions.
• Anti-Discrimination/Equality of Opportunity: We recognize and value diversity, and do not tolerate harassment of any kind. We prohibit and do not support discrimination based on employees’ personal characteristics or beliefs.
• Freedom of Engagement: We prohibit and do not support the use of bonded labor, prison labor, slavery or other forms of forced labor.

In addition to the basic human rights laid out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Company is also guided by the relevant principles, obligations, voluntary commitments, and good practices of the:

• Montreux Document on Pertinent International Legal Obligations and Good Practices for States Related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies During Armed Conflict (2008);
• International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (2021); and Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; Implementing the United Nations
  “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework (2011).

The above lists provide examples of commonly-recognized human rights, and it not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive. Other commonly recognized sources of international human rights include: the Chemical Weapons Convention, Convention Against Torture, Geneva Conventions (including Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions), and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights.

ADDITIONAL OBLIGATIONS

In addition to the human rights principles identified above, the Company is also guided by the following basic principles:

• We support fundamental human rights and avoid participating in business activities that abuse human rights and avoid participating in areas where our actions will directly contribute to the breach of these rights;
• We act in a legal, moral, and ethical manner, and within the laws, customs, and traditions of the countries in which we operate;
• We are committed to supporting international and local efforts to combat and eliminate corruption and financial crimes;
• We respect the values, cultures, and customs of the communities in which we operate; and
• We provide information and training to our personnel to help them understand appropriate conduct and actions in the performance of their work.

REPORTING HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES

Personnel aware of or who suspect possible violations of this Policy must report these circumstances by notifying their manager, the CLO, or by using the Company’s anonymous Grievance form online or can be made via the web at security.advisor@aspgroup.com