Recruitment should take place in a way that respects, protects and fulfils internationally recognised human rights, including those expressed in international labour standards, and, in particular, the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, and prevention and elimination of forced labour, child labour, and discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.
Definition adapted from the ILO General principles and operational guidelines for fair recruitment.
This definition applies to recruitment of all workers. In practice, responsible recruitment* means that the employer pays for all fees/costs related to the recruitment process and no costs/fees be borne by the worker (see the ILO's General principles and operational guidelines for fair recruitment and definition of recruitment fees and related costs). Companies must ensure workers have access to remedy and any monies paid are reimbursed to the worker.
*Responsible recruitment is sometimes referred to as ethical or fair recruitment which Ipieca takes to encompass the aspects detailed above.
