Modern slavery

Modern slavery is a deeply concerning issue that directly contradicts the principles and objectives of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It encompasses a range of exploitative practices including forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, and human trafficking. These practices undermine human rights, perpetuate inequality, and hinder social and economic development.

SDG 8, in particular, which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, is intrinsically linked to the issue of modern slavery. The target 8.7 specifically calls for immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour.

Also, SDG 5, which advocates for gender equality, plays a crucial role in combating modern slavery. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by forced labour, accounting for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry and 58% in other sectors, according to the International Labour Organization. Addressing gender inequality and empowering women and girls can help reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.

The issue of modern slavery also connects with SDG 16, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions. Strengthening institutions, improving access to justice, and creating effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels are fundamental to ending modern slavery. This includes creating legal frameworks that criminalize all forms of exploitation and strengthening law enforcement responses to these crimes.

Combating modern slavery is not only a matter of human rights but also crucial to achieving sustainable development. The fight against modern slavery requires concerted effort at all levels – from governments and international organizations, through to businesses and civil society. It involves promoting decent work, advocating gender equality, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that no one is left behind – a commitment at the heart of the SDGs.

Consumers' purchasing behaviour is increasingly influenced by businesses' ethical behaviour. As Christmas is a time of celebration and this goes hand in hand with consumption, this article explored some of the products that are at risk of being produced by people in modern slavery.
This feature length article highlights findings from three new reports, showing the progress by companies complying with the UK Modern Slavery Act. With almost half of FTSE companies currently not complying, and 77% of companies that participated in a recent research study agreeing there is a likelihood of modern slavery occurring in their supply chains - there is still much to do. The goal of SDG target 8.7 is to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.
18th October 2016 was the 10th EU Anti-Trafficking Day, coinciding with the UK's Anti-Slavery Day. This article published on this day of awareness reflected on the considerations and opportunities for businesses regarding modern slavery, including the establishment of Alliance 8.7, focused on accelerating the work on SDG 8.7, which is to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.
Lexis Nexis Construction
There are more than 45 million victims of modern slavery globally with a significant number involved in construction. This report argues that forced labour and modern slavery are common throughout the global construction industry. Engaging key stakeholders and raising awareness of the issue from a global perspective are key to the advancement of SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, ending modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.
The number of victims of modern slavery in England and Wales has increased fivefold since 2012, according to a new report issued by the Salvation Army. This increase magnifies the risk to companies of doing business with third-parties involved in modern slavery and human trafficking if proper precautions are not taken. Raising awarenress of modern slavery is vital to the advancement of SDG 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, ending modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.
The importance of the media’s reporting on human trafficking and reaction in the media to the UN 'World Day against Trafficking in Person' is analysed in this article. The link between migration and trafficking is also highlighted. This provides insights to assist SDG 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.
Human trafficking is one of the main profit-generating activities for organised criminals in Europe and the revenue generated is often laundered through the financial system. Understanding the complexities of human trafficking is vital to both SDG 8.7 to take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and SDG 16.4 to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.
The UK's Modern Slavery Act 2015 aims to make businesses accountable for forced labour in their supply chains: large organisations with a presence in the UK are required to produce an annual ‘slavery and human trafficking statement’ detailing the action they have taken. A report from Ergon Associates shows that the majority of statements already submitted are lacking in key information and meaningful action. The Act directly addresses SDG 8.7 to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.
The LexisNexis Human Trafficking Awareness Index™ highlights emerging trends and patterns of awareness within and across national borders. The Index uses the respected Nexis® service to track and analyse the volume of articles related to human trafficking. These insights assist activists working to combat human trafficking and contribute to the advancement of SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.
The UK Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires organisations to produce an annual slavery and human trafficking statement. This video explains the requirements on you if you carry out any part of your business in the UK and turnover more than £36M globally. This directly aligns with SDG 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and SDG 16.3 to promote the rule of law and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

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