New knowledge paper: Tackling modern slavery in the supply chain; incl. recommendations for co's
Today, there are 40.3 million people in 167 countries affected... [W]omen and children are the most vulnerable... [T]wo thirds of the affected people live in Asia... [M]odern slavery risks have also risen throughout Europe... A key factor contributing to the increase of modern slavery is the presence of migrants that are often unaware of their legal rights, do not speak the language or lack work permits...
Over the last decade, several initiatives, laws and international standards have been established in order to address unregulated gaps and harness the power of business...
To tackle modern slavery, businesses, state actors and civil society must work together. So, what can businesses do? ...
Implement human rights due diligence in line with the UNGPs...
Several collaborative platforms have been established to help companies increase transparency in their supply chains...
The scope of supplier audits should therefore always include suppliers’ recruitment practices, as well as suppliers’ recruitment agencies’ practices. Companies should support direct recruitment by their business partners...
[B]usinesses should reassess their current business model, including purchasing practices such as contracting terms and prices, to ensure that they are not generating grounds for modern slavery to persist or arise. [refers to Tchibo, Ritter Sport]