Partnership to End Forced Labour in Global Supply chain
Date of Meeting: 19 Jul 2016
Meeting Organizer: Permanent Mission of Argentina, the Permanent Mission of the United States and the International Labour Organization.
ISJC Staff Present: Major Victoria Edmonds
Reporter: Major Victoria Edmonds
Which SDG does this topic cover? Goals 5 and 8; target 8.76
Type of meeting: Panel discussion
Brief summary of presentation of information made
The object of this meeting was to promote means of eradicating human trafficking, child labour, forced labour, and modern slavery from supply chains. Build support for the formation of Alliance 8.7 (referring to target 8.7 of the UN’s sustainable development goals) which brings together all stakeholders – governments, companies, workers, organizations and civil society organization – working towards the elimination of forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour.
Promotion of the dignity partnership which seeks to broaden constituencies – from governments and companies to consumers – to join their efforts in combating human trafficking.
Building support for the creation of the ILO Business Network on Forced Labour and recognize member states, UN agencies, and companies that are leading the fights against forced labour in global supply chains.
Global supply chains have profoundly transformed the nature of cross-border production, investment, trade and employment – both positively and negatively. The global economy has supported economic growth and foreign exchange has allowed the free flow of goods and services from all corners of the world. Without travel, trade and migration, much of the progress of the last century – social and economic development would not be possible.
Global supply chains have connected to domestic markets with preexisting deficits in working conditions located in jurisdictions characterized by weak legislation and enforcement. Connection to global supply chains has made these deficits more visible to wider audience, and in certain contexts may have exacerbated some of these existing problems.
Supply chains, intense competition among potential suppliers can create downward pressure on production costs and wages, which may negatively impact on working and living conditions.
Overall around the globe there are increasing numbers of suppliers in emerging markets contracted to produce for global companies – but the governments of countries where these suppliers are located often lack the institutional capacity, and knowledge on fair labour practices to regulate and enforce labour standards and identify instances of human trafficking.
The panel explored the necessity of additional actions from governments and the international system to facilitate this goal. The formation of Alliance 8.7 which brings together for sharing, joint activities to focus efforts in achieving this goal.
It highlighted and open up areas of discussion for The Dignity Partnership in the formulation of its founding declaration.
International and national instruments to combat these unacceptable forms of abuse and exploitations and the best practices of private companies will be explored in greater detail.
What was of particular significanCE to share with The Salvation Army globally?
We as an organization can be a part of a new partnership that will aid and help in the global fight for ending the supply chain for labour trafficking. As details come out it should be shared globally so that soldiers, friends, employees and officers are aware and we can work with others in ending this crime again humanity