Report on Harrods Redress Scheme and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Corporate Redress and Global Development Frameworks

A report on the compensation scheme established by Harrods for survivors of alleged historical sexual abuse by its former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, reveals significant actions that align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative, which has engaged over 100 survivors, serves as a case study in corporate accountability, access to justice, and support for victims of gender-based violence, reflecting the principles of SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 16, and SDG 3.

Advancing SDG 5: Gender Equality

Addressing Violence Against Women

The establishment of the redress scheme is a direct response to systemic allegations of sexual abuse against women, a critical target under SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Following a BBC documentary, dozens of women came forward, with the Metropolitan Police later confirming that 111 women had made allegations against Fayed. By creating a formal mechanism for apology and compensation, Harrods is taking institutional responsibility for addressing historical gender-based violence that occurred in connection with its business operations.

Upholding SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Ensuring Safe Work Environments and Economic Redress

The abuse allegations are intrinsically linked to the workplace, making the company’s response relevant to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which calls for safe and secure working environments for all. The scheme’s structure acknowledges the professional and economic harm suffered by survivors.

• Work Impact Payment: A specific payment of up to £150,000 is available to compensate for the adverse effects on survivors’ careers and economic stability.
• Scheme Expansion: The inclusion of former employees of Fayair (Jersey) Co Ltd, another of Fayed’s companies, demonstrates a broader commitment to addressing unsafe working conditions across his business portfolio prior to its sale in 2010.

Promoting SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Providing Access to Justice and Fostering Institutional Accountability

The redress scheme functions as an alternative pathway to justice, a core principle of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). It provides a remedy for survivors where legal recourse may be complex or unavailable. Furthermore, the actions of public institutions are under review, reinforcing the SDG 16 goal of building effective and accountable institutions.

Key Features of the Redress Mechanism:

1. Financial Compensation: Eligible applicants can receive general damages of up to £200,000, in addition to other specific payments.
2. Formal Apology: Harrods offers an unreserved written apology and a meeting with a senior representative, acknowledging institutional failure.
3. Accessible Process: The scheme is designed to be non-adversarial, allowing claims based on documentary evidence without requiring survivors to undergo medical assessments or speak in person.
4. Institutional Review: The Metropolitan Police has apologized for its past handling of complaints and is conducting an internal investigation under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), demonstrating a move toward institutional accountability.

Acceptance of a compensation offer is treated as a “full and final settlement,” closing the legal pathway for further damages against the company.

Supporting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Addressing Health Impacts and Supporting Recovery

The long-term physical and psychological trauma of sexual abuse is a significant public health issue, addressed by SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The Harrods scheme incorporates measures to support the health and recovery of survivors.

• Coverage for Treatment Costs: The scheme includes provisions for payments to cover the costs of medical and therapeutic treatment.
• Focus on Psychological Well-being: By offering a formal apology and a non-intrusive claims process, the scheme aims to mitigate further distress and contribute positively to the mental well-being of survivors.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This goal is central to the article, which focuses on sexual abuse and violence predominantly against women. The establishment of a compensation scheme for survivors of alleged sexual abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed directly relates to addressing violence against women and providing them with a form of redress.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article highlights issues of justice, accountability, and institutional response. It discusses the creation of a redress scheme by a private company (Harrods), the involvement of the Metropolitan Police in investigating allegations, and an inquiry into the police’s own handling of the cases. These elements are directly linked to ensuring access to justice for victims and promoting accountable institutions.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.

     The article is entirely focused on the aftermath of sexual abuse and violence against women. The allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed, spanning decades, and the subsequent compensation scheme are direct evidence of efforts to address and provide remedies for this specific form of violence against women.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

     The core issue is sexual violence. The actions described, such as the police investigation and the compensation scheme, are responses aimed at addressing and providing justice for these acts of violence.

   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

     This target is relevant as the article explicitly states that the youngest alleged victim “is thought to have been 13 at the time,” highlighting that the abuse discussed also involved children.

   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

     The article details several mechanisms for justice. The Harrods compensation scheme is a form of non-judicial redress, providing “equal access to justice” for survivors. Furthermore, the ongoing Metropolitan Police review of allegations and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) overseeing an inquiry into the police’s handling of the case are examples of promoting the rule of law and institutional accountability.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 5.2 and 16.1 (Eliminate/Reduce Violence):

   • Number of reported victims of sexual violence:

     The article provides specific numbers that serve as indicators of the scale of the problem. It mentions “more than 100 survivors have entered the company’s compensation scheme” and that “111 women had made allegations” to the police. These figures can be seen as a proxy for Indicator 5.2.1 (Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence).

2. For Target 16.2 (End Violence Against Children):

   • Number of child victims:

     The mention that the “youngest is thought to have been 13 at the time” is a specific data point indicating that children were victims, relevant to Indicator 16.2.1 (Proportion of children aged 1-17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month).

3. For Target 16.3 (Access to Justice):

   • Number of individuals accessing justice mechanisms:

     The statement that “more than 100 survivors have entered the process” of the redress scheme is a direct indicator of victims accessing a conflict resolution mechanism (related to Indicator 16.3.1).

   • Provision of remedies and compensation:

     The article details the compensation available (“general damages of up to £200,000 and a work impact payment of up to £150,000”) and confirms that “Compensation awards and interim payments began being issued.” This serves as a qualitative and quantitative indicator of justice being delivered.

   • Institutional accountability measures:

     The fact that the Met is “reviewing 21 allegations” and that complaints against the Met will be “investigated by the force itself under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)” are indicators of processes designed to ensure institutional accountability.

Source: theguardian.com