dB(A. 2.1.1. Selected mode for tests of the vehicle in motion: ................................" Paragraph 2.2., amend to read: "2.2. Sound level of stationary vehicle: .......... dB(A) at ........ min-1 in mode ………………1 Sound level of stationary vehicle: .......... dB(A) at ........ min-1 in mode ………………1 Sound level of stationary vehicle: .......... dB(A) at ........ min-1 in mode ………………1 Sound level of stationary vehicle: .......... dB(A) at ........ min-1 in mode ………………1 Sound level of stationary vehicle: .......... dB(A) at ........ min-1 in mode ………………1" Annex 3
dB(A. Public Policy statement to respect Human Rights (par. 3.1.a DBA)
dB(A. 33. All Banks active in project finance, except for one bank due to her kind of clients and geographical range of action, have expressly committed to the application of Equator Principles. One bank which is not yet a member of Equator Principles, declares to apply IFC PS 7. As to the importance of a common understanding on concepts, it has to be noted that the former uses the term “project finance” for a financing technique applied for financing projects of stand-alone entities (SPV's). Information on activities individual banks will not finance or invest in (par. 3.1.b DBA)
dB(A. 35. The policy statements refer basically to the existence of internal due diligence procedures in order to check clients’ compliance with banks' commitments and that is applied to existing or new clients. Human rights due diligence has become part of clients' due diligence. It is generally part of the Environmental & Social risks’ assessment according to the bank's sustainability framework. Reference is also made to clients' suppliers (most probably after the outcomes of DBA value- chains working groups). Adhering banks expressly commit to extend the application of their Human Rights' standards to their suppliers or their business partners. As for themselves, the commitment is generally focused on employees' rights. Some banks also stress the importance of stakeholders' engagement and of protection of human rights defenders. Several policy statements have been updated recently. This year all adhering banks meet the par. 3.1.c DBA requirement.
dB(A. For instance, they did not use both references to UNGPs and OECD Guidelines on RBC or using terms like ‘sensitive’ sectors instead of high-risk sectors or “theme policies with high risk transactions” , whereas theme is more related to projects (as Hydro-power plants). In the perspective of sending a common message from all DBA adhering banks and contribute to reinforce their common leverage playing field, the Monitoring committee would recommend an updating of the phrasing of the Banks’ Human rights policy statements in order to show an international policy coherence.
dB(A. 40. All banks have a whistle blowing mechanism for their staff. If the adhering bank has subsidiary companies, the mechanism is extended to its staff. One bank specifies, however, that its subsidiaries outside the Netherlands will develop their own whistle blowing policies (based on local regulations). Four banks have recently updated their mechanism. Three banks clearly insist on the difference to be made between work related complaints (and their specific handling) and whistle blowing mechanism. Complaint procedure publicly accessible for employees, clients and third parties (par. 3.5 DBA)
dB(A. 90. Following the wording of par. 1.2 DBA, adhering banks were finally asked if their organization implement and embed their responsibility to respect human rights in their operations and confirm to act in conformity with the OECD Guidelines and UNGPs in the full scope of a bank’s business activities, in particular: i) for new client, ii) existing clients; iii) the bank’s own operations and staff; and the bank’s subsidiary companies. All banks have answered positively. Some have better explained through reference to their policies and Human Rights Due Diligence procedures, others have simply referred to their general commitment. The guidance to the Assessment Framework states that to be considered mature the DBA expects a bank to confirm its commitment to respect HR across its operations. By signing the agreement, the adhering banks have committed to this basic « responsibility ». The fact the adhering banks have all answered positively is expression of the responsibility they all have taken. In so far, they all should be considered mature. The question is more whether the commitment of the adhering banks is further fulfilled in all its aspects according to DBA provisions. This is the object and substance of each year’s reporting and monitoring.
dB(A. The NVB actively engaged with the adhering banks in regular bilateral and monthly meetings of the NVB’s Working group IMVO, to fulfil the expectations in paragraph 3.1 and to provide guidance where necessary.
dB(A. INDIVIDUALLY:
