Inside Global Commission's Campaign to End Modern Slavery
Around the world, approximately 50 million people are ensnared in modern slavery today.
The modern slavery crisis affects individuals in every country on Earth, and it has a wide variety of definitions.
In essence, though, modern slavery occurs when an individual is exploited by others, for personal or commercial gain, and it happens in all kinds of ways.
Disturbingly, it is possible that all of us have recently consumed or purchased items that are products of modern slavery, as unethical practices are rife, yet hidden in global supply chains.
The Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking has now delivered a stark message to the global business community: unless companies implement specific interventions, they remain complicit in perpetuating the problem.
Inside the Global Commission on Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking's report
Launched at the United Nations, the Commission's extensive report urges businesses to reform procurement systems, mandate ethical labour standards and play a crucial role in eliminating human trafficking.
What's more, the report states that in order to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating modern slavery by 2030, business leaders must step up and be proactive.
Global supply chains, notably those spanning low-wage regions and subcontracted manufacturing sectors, are identified as environments where forced labour is at its most prevalent.
Industries such as garments, electronics and agriculture often enable trafficking to continue unnoticed, operating in broad daylight.
“Modern slavery unveils uncomfortable realities for businesses," says Alan Jope, former CEO of Unilever.
"Yet, we must choose action – to safeguard those exploited for profit and to combat these grave human rights violations.”
Reforming procurement and ensuring legal accountability
The report advocates for changes in public procurement processes at the governmental level. It warns that without stringent measures, governments risk inadvertently supporting exploitation through their procurement channels.
“Member States should embed slavery and trafficking safeguards within their public procurement rules," the report's authors write.
"Decision-makers must be trained to ensure the absence of forced labour in supply chains.”
Beyond mere rhetoric, the recommendation calls for enforceable legislation rather than voluntary guidelines, and stresses the necessity for a unified definition of modern slavery to enhance detection and enforcement. Legal ambiguity weakens enforcement and dilutes accountability.
“We've strengthened our approach to human rights, spotlighting modern slavery and urging global entities to respond," says John Schultz, Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Chief Operating Officer.
"While progress is apparent, the path ahead remains challenging.”
The Commission advises businesses to collect and publicly disclose supply chain data, enabling the detection of forced labour risks before they escalate.
From awareness to action
The report introduces a Prevention Framework designed to identify fundamental causes and promote early interventions. Inspired by methods used to prevent genocide, this framework aids in recognizing exploitation indicators within workplaces and supplier networks.
Nasreen Sheikh, a modern slavery survivor turned entrepreneur, is one of the world's most fervent advocates of business responsibility in dealing with modern slavery.
“Everyday, the cycle of unconscious consumer choices and an indifferent global economy creates new victims," she says.
The report’s stance is clear: addressing modern slavery in supply chains is not merely about maintaining a reputation or fulfilling corporate social responsibility. It is an essential operational and ethical issue demanding leadership, transparency, and a re-evaluation of production and sourcing practices.
Baroness Theresa May, Chair of the Commission and former UK Prime Minister, reminds us: “Each of the 50 million victims possesses talents, interests, and aspirations stripped from them. They deserve freedom, and ending this crime demands immediate action.”
Collaborative efforts and transparent practices
The Commission insists that companies assess their entire production chain, including indirect suppliers and recruitment agencies, and develop systems to prevent exploitation from the outset.
Collaborations with civil society groups, survivor-led organisations, and frontline labour monitors are deemed essential for accurate supervision and impactful changes.
Without comprehensive transparency and regulation in global supply chains, modern slavery will remain ingrained in the products we consume.
The Global Commission's report seeks to alter this trajectory, guiding businesses towards a coordinated, ethical response and aiding in reaching the 2030 objective.
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