As stated in the Code of Conduct, Total upholds the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. There are no exceptions to this commitment, even in challenging countries. Sensitive situations require increased vigilance, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety of our employees and the security of our installations.

Our principles and policies

Our relations with national governments are guided by a policy combining security and human rights, which advocates dialogue at every level. In political and social environments that can sometimes be sensitive, we respect the sovereignty of countries and do not intervene in either the conduct or financing of their politics. But we reserve the right to voice our opinion to governments about issues of concern to us and our beliefs with respect to upholding human rights. Total will not operate in countries or regions where it would be impossible for us to implement our Code of Conduct.

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we reaffirm our commitment to enforcing and promoting human rights and applying the Declaration within our sphere of influence.

Paying even closer attention to human rights and high-risk situations

Half of the Ethics Committee's assessment guidelines involve upholding human rights, a point that has been verified since 2002.

Total now wants to strengthen the preventive component of our process, by stressing employee awareness and impact assessments.

• The first step will be introducing human rights training for employees. Total is working with oil industry operators, notably through IPIECA's Social Responsibility Working Group. In 2006, we were involved in the development of the Human Rights Training Toolkit for the Oil & Gas Industry. In 2007, we continued to use the Tookkit in our in-house awareness training program.
• Our employees are also educated about human rights and ethics issues through our dedicated Ethics intranet site. Human rights training and the site’s content were strengthened in 2007.
• The Ethics Committee’s other priority is to make the consideration of human rights a more established part of the process, both during project design and in day-to-day dealings near our facilities. In September 2006, the Committee began working on a human rights impact and compliance assessment tool intended for use as an operational resource, in partnership with the Danish Institute for Human Rights. Now completed, it will be tested in 2008.

Policy regarding indigenous peoples

Total is aware that operating in areas inhabited by indigenous peoples is a particularly sensitive issue. As stated our Policy regarding indigenous peoples set up in 2003, Total recognize the definitions of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and abide by International Labour Organization Convention C 169.

Security Policy

Total’s approach to security regarding the use of private or public security forces  is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials and the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials.

Our Security Policy emphasizes that the security of employees must be the overriding priority at all times, especially in environments where it may be threatened, and sets out our business principles in this area:

• Support for universal human rights principles, especially the recommendations of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) published in 2000 under the auspices of the U.S. State Department and the U.K. Foreign Office. The Voluntary Principles guide companies in maintaining the safety and security of their operations within an operating framework that ensures respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Voluntary Principles training was developed in 2005, in addition to the guide for business unit managers distributed in 2004 to ensure application at the most sensitive sites. In 2007, we expanded our Voluntary Principles training for operational employees.
• Management of security based on risk prevention, planning for potential crisis situations, training and dialogue, and readiness to be audited.

	Some financial institutions ask auditing firms to verify the security processes of the major industrial projects in which they are involved. Such was the case in 2007 for Yemen LNG, in which Total has an interest. The report concluded that YLNG’s processes equaled, or surpassed, best industry practices. However, it recommended that YLNG continue to educate Yemeni security forces about respect for human rights, and specifically that it train them in the Voluntary Principles.

Attentive presence in sensitive countries

Specific measures when needed
In 2007, several ongoing sensitive situations required us to deploy specific action plans:

• The political and social environment in Nigeria remained tense in the Niger Delta and required Total to remain extremely vigilant. Assets, especially pipelines, are frequently attacked or looted, personnel are kidnapped, and relations with local residents are often strained. In liaison with national security agencies, Elf Petroleum Nigeria Ltd’s (EPNL) Security Department maintains an ongoing watch to protect and advise employees and their families.
• Case study: Total in Nigeria

Total is also very alert to potential terrorist threats, particularly during transportation of our products.

Preparing our return to Sudan
In 1985, security issues in Sudan caused us to suspend the exploration operations begun in 1980. In late 2004, Total signed an agreement with the Sudanese government updating the 1980 accord and spelling out the terms and conditions for resuming our operations in Sudan. The peace agreement signed in 2005 and the creation of a government of national unity set the framework for our return. In June 2007, the National Petroleum Commission created by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement confirmed Total’s exclusive rights to Block B. In August that year, we prepared a Local Community Guide and Yves-Louis Darricarrère, President of Exploration & Production, presented formal social and environmental responsibility commitments to the South Sudan authorities. Learn more about Total in Sudan.

Implementing our ethics process in Myanmar
Total's presence in Myanmar since 1992 has generated considerable controversy. Although Total shares the concerns of the international community about the human rights situation in Myanmar, we believe that our presence has positive lasting benefits for the region. Learn more about our presence in Myanmar.