"See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil? Modern Slavery Thrives in Global Supply Chains"

Modern slavery is a big problem that makes around $150 billion a year. It’s hidden in complex global supply chains run by large companies, affecting both rich and poor countries.

Why Slavery Continues

Slavery continues because global supply chains are complicated and hard to manage. Companies often use many others to handle different parts of their work, making it difficult to ensure fair labor practices. Some companies may even benefit from slavery while claiming they don’t know about it.

The Reality of Modern Slavery

Modern slavery includes forced labor and human trafficking. It was only in the 1980s that international groups started addressing forced labor. Many people, including those in rich countries, are affected by modern slavery. In 2016, there were about 40.3 million victims, with forced labor making $51.2 billion.

Global Supply Chains

Global supply chains are complex, and many companies don’t manage them well. This lack of transparency allows slavery to continue. Companies often push for lower costs, leading to poor labor conditions.

Business Reasons for Slavery

There are several reasons for modern slavery. Companies might reduce costs by using cheap labor or make extra money by charging high prices for essentials, leading to debt bondage. Problems like temporary visas and job market issues also make things worse.

Conclusion

Modern slavery is a serious issue tied to global supply chains and driven by money. To fix it, we need better management, transparency, and accountability from companies. Everyone, including companies and consumers, needs to fight against these exploitative conditions.

For further details, refer to the full study here.