Modern Slavery - Australian Supply Chains
Modern slavery is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. It is estimated that there are 40.3 million people trapped in modern slavery today.
Businesses can play a major role in tackling modern slavery in their supply chains. By taking a number of steps, businesses can help to ensure that they are not complicit in this horrific practice.
There are a number of things that businesses can do to address modern slavery in their supply chains. These include:
- Conducting due diligence on suppliers. One of the most important things businesses can do is to conduct due diligence on their suppliers. This means investigating the human rights practices of their suppliers to ensure that they are not using forced labor or other forms of modern slavery.
- Implementing robust anti-slavery policies and procedures. Businesses should also implement robust anti-slavery policies and procedures. These policies should outline the company's commitment to human rights and should set out the steps that will be taken to prevent modern slavery in the supply chain.
- Training employees on modern slavery. Employees should also be trained on modern slavery. This training should help employees to identify the signs of modern slavery and to know what to do if they suspect that it is happening.
- Working with suppliers to improve their human rights practices. Finally, businesses should work with their suppliers to improve their human rights practices. This can be done by providing training on human rights, by setting up grievance mechanisms, and by working with suppliers to develop and implement anti-slavery policies and procedures.
By taking these steps, businesses can help to ensure that they are not complicit in modern slavery.
Here are some specific supply chain initiatives that businesses can take to tackle modern slavery:
- Traceability: Businesses can work to improve traceability in their supply chains. This means being able to track the movement of goods from the point of production to the point of sale. This can help to identify where modern slavery may be occurring.
- Transparency: Businesses can increase transparency in their supply chains. This means publishing information about their suppliers and their human rights practices. This can help to hold businesses accountable for their actions.
- Collaboration: Businesses can collaborate with other businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations to tackle modern slavery. This can be done through initiatives such as the Ethical Trading Initiative and the Responsible Business Alliance.
A new report has found that over half of ASX 200 companies are failing to report on their supply chain slavery links. The report, by the Modern Slavery Institute, found that only 47 of the 200 companies surveyed had published a modern slavery statement. Of those, only 17 had been independently verified.
The report is a major wake-up call for Australian businesses. It shows that many companies are not taking the issue of modern slavery seriously. Modern slavery is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. It is estimated that there are 40.3 million people trapped in modern slavery today.
If you are an Australian business, you can take action to address modern slavery in your supply chains by:
- Publishing a modern slavery statement
- Getting your statement independently verified
- Conducting due diligence on suppliers
- Implementing robust anti-slavery policies and procedures
- Training employees on modern slavery
- Working with suppliers to improve their human rights practices
By taking these steps, you can help to make a difference in the fight against modern slavery.
If you are interested in learning more about how to address modern slavery in your supply chains, please contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and help you to develop a solution that meets your requirements.
Contact us today, trace. your supply chain consulting partner.