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.

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.
Linking to Goal 10 and Goal 16, this report outlines ways in which business can help uphold children’s rights and support and promote their well-being during humanitarian crises.
Linking to Goals 8 and 10, this webinar explores the requirements of the UK Modern Slavery Act and its implications for UN Global Compact business participants who conduct business in the UK.
Linking to Goal 16, this webinar focuses on private sector engagement in humanitarian action and advancing the SDGs by supporting peace.
This webinar focuses on tackling child labour in global supply chains, which are issues covered in Goal 4 and Goal 8.
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.
LexisNexis Legal & Professional,

Business Insight Solutions and STOP THE TRAFFIK, December 2015

Three billion cups of tea are drunk each day; it's the world's second most popular drink after water. Yet tea workers are often targeted by human traffickers and coerced into forced labour, domestic servitude and in some cases the sex industry. This report looks at the tea industry in Kenya, Sri Lanka and India to highlight supply chain issues and working conditions, to contribute to the advancement of SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.

Journal of International Criminal Justice, 2015. 

Contributing to SDGs 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), this research brief explores the contribution of international criminal justice norms and institutions to the eradication of modern slavery.
LexisNexis Legal & Professional,

Business Insight Solutions and STOP THE TRAFFIK, October 2014

The Dressed to Kill Report is based on LexisNexis' Human Trafficking Awareness Index and highlights the risk and prevalence of human trafficking in the cotton supply chain globally. The report offers guidance on how to take actions to eliminate or reduce the risk of human traffickign in the supply chain contributing to the advancement of SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern salvery and human trafficking by 2025.
LexisNexis Legal & Professional,

Business Insight Solutions and STOP THE TRAFFIK, October 2013

This 2013 report investigates the link between chocolate and human trafficking. It demonstrates how Supply Chain and Procurement Directors can better understand the risk of human trafficking in their supply chain by analysing media coverage. The insights into the chocolate trade and its links to human trafficking contributes to the advancement of SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.

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