Controlling modern slavery risks in supply chain

Modern slavery, also known as human trafficking, is a growing concern for organizations worldwide. It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or commercial sex. As companies increasingly rely on global supply chains to source goods and services, the risk of modern slavery in their supply chain also increases. In this blog post, we will discuss some steps organizations can take to mitigate modern slavery risks in their supply chains.

1.     Conduct Risk Assessments: Organizations should conduct risk assessments of their supply chain to identify potential risks of modern slavery. This includes assessing the risk of forced labor, child labor, and trafficking in the countries and sectors where they operate.

2.     Develop and Implement Policies and Procedures: Organizations should develop and implement policies and procedures to prevent and address modern slavery in their supply chains. These can include codes of conduct for suppliers, due diligence procedures, and whistleblower hotlines.

3.     Engage with Suppliers: Organizations should engage with suppliers to ensure that they understand and comply with their policies and procedures. This can include regular audits, supplier training, and corrective action plans for non-compliance.

4.     Collaborate with Other Stakeholders: Organizations should collaborate with other stakeholders, including NGOs, governments, and other companies, to share information and best practices on modern slavery risks.

5.     Report on Progress: Organizations should report on the progress they are making in addressing modern slavery risks in their supply chains. This can include publishing a modern slavery statement and reporting on the results of audits and assessments.

In conclusion, modern slavery is a significant risk for organizations, and it's important to take steps to mitigate it. By conducting risk assessments, developing and implementing policies and procedures, engaging with suppliers, collaborating with other stakeholders, and reporting on progress, organizations can take action to address modern slavery risks in their supply chains. It's also important to regularly review and update these efforts to ensure they are effective and in line with the latest developments and regulations.