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.
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.
Amnesty International’s recent report on child labour in supply chains reported children as young as seven working in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cobalt is used in mobile phone batteries and Amnesty accuses several global electronics brands of failing to do basic supply chain checks. Raising awareness of child labour issues can help in advancing SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.
Identifying and developing future leaders brings benefits to company performance
For the chemical industry, designing and delivering an effective leadership development programme can encourage gender diversity and improve talent retention. This is important for advancing SDG 8.5 to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
In March 2015 the Modern Slavery Act became law and its effect on UK businesses will be significant. The first of its kind in Europe, and one of the first in the world, the Act specifically addresses slavery and human trafficking in the 21st century, and is one of the most important pieces of legislation for supply chain due diligence. The Act will directly contribute to advancing the SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern salvery and human trafficking by 2025.

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