Modern Slavery

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"No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms." Article 4, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948

1Modern Slavery is an umbrella term that refers to the exploitation of human beings for criminal gain.

We thought slavery was only evident in our history. But even in this time, there are men, women, and children still enslaved through deception, threats, and coercion.

Which of the following are causes and effects of Modern Slavery?

Due to the aforementioned factors, slavery continues to expand which becomes more uncontrolled by global efforts.

5In 2006, Cambodian Vannak Prum arrived in Malai, a city located in northwestern Cambodia along the Thai border, with the promise of a job. Prum left his pregnant wife in the hopes of returning home in a few months with the money to support his growing family. Instead, he worked on a Thai fishing boat where he endured torture, starvation, and the constant threat of death.

"While it is true that slavery is illegal almost everywhere on earth, the fact is there are more slaves today than there ever were..." Robert Alan Silverstein, Author of "The Better World Book"

High-Risk Business Models External Arrangements and Outsourcing Faster and cheaper concerning recruitment, documentation, travel, and accommodation Less risky in terms of the recruitment process. Fraudulent recruiters, promise a well-paid job to workers outside of their nation. To ensure their criminal benefits, they charge high amounts of money that the workers are generally unable to pay, leaving them in debt-bondage.

Which among the following is a high-risk business model?

Geographies Products coming from countries with high-risks of modern slavery.

Financial Services (35% of ASX200) The risks of direct business operations are low. However, higher modern slavery risks are experienced through their supply chains.

Property (16% of ASX200) There is a high-demand for base-skilled workers in this industry. Less supervision in recruitment and employment practices lead to a higher risk of modern slavery.

Food, Beverage, and Agriculture (FBA) (11% forced labor based on ILO) High risks are present in the production, processing, packaging, and transportation sectors. Highlighting the highest risk in the fishing industry.

Mining (16% ASX200) Construction, development, procurement, logistics, and transportation of products in mining pose a high risk of modern slavery.

Health Care (8.2% in ASX200) The highest risk is most evident in sourcing medical goods such as electronics, surgical equipment, and other medical supplies. Workers under the production and manufacturing of raw materials for medical devices experience forced labor, unfair wages, and even clinical trials without proper consent.

"They are invisible because they cannot go to schools, they are invisible because they are not seen as a regular member of society." Jean-Robert Cadet, Author and Former Restavek

"I was looking for a job"

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE With signs of physical abuse or psychological abuse. Might appear anxious, neglected, withdrawn, malnourished, or untreated injuries.

ISOLATION Usually doesn't travel alone, might look like someone else is guarding them, and doesn't interact with the neighborhood or other people.

POOR LIVING CONDITIONS Living in unkempt, dirty, cramped, or overcrowded homes; can also possibly be living at the workplace itself.

RESTRICTED FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT They have no IDs, passports, documents, not even any personal possession. Some might also wear the same clothes every day.

UNUSUAL TRAVEL TIMES Regularly picked up and dropped off for work in unusual places either early in the morning or late at night.

RELUCTANT TO SEEK HELP Fearful and dismissive when talking to other people. Avoids eye contact and may appear frightened whenever law enforcers are around.

Red Flags to look out for in Labor Exploitation

3Questions you should ask yourself: Are you able to refuse overtime? Are you a migrant worker? If yes, did you pay a high amount to work in another country? What is the agreed term of repayment? Do you have your personal documents or do you have access to them? Are you able to receive your payment on time under legal terms? Are your payslips provided, and does it contain your correct working hours and rates? Do you know who the subcontractors or the suppliers' subcontractors are? Are any of your goods produced through prison labor?

"Modern slavery is a human rights abuse of our own making. Ending it is a choice the world can make." globalslaveryindex.org

1In the past five years (from 2017), 89 million people experienced some form of modern slavery for periods of time ranging from a few days to the whole five years.

For more information on the Government Response assessment check out the link below: Government Response Assessment

"There is a security imperative to make sure that slavery as an institution does not take hold and grow. We must stand against it and roll it back." E. Benjamin Skinner, Transparentem

1How companies can reduce modern slavery

Publish a statement and system against slavery.

Develop, implement, and promote policies.

Provide a detailed code of conduct and clauses in contracts with suppliers.

Engage and monitor the supply chains.

Identify high-risk areas by conducting an assessment. Evaluate the results and collaborate on ways to address them.

Create and ensure a clear process in making decisions, such as in dealing with suppliers that meet the human rights standards.

Have meetings across the company hierarchy to set and agree on goals and methods on achieving them.

Communication guidelines and procedures are established for all employees; trainings may also be provided.