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

Modern slavery is a serious problem that is making a lot of money worldwide. It is estimated to earn around $150 billion each year. This issue is so widespread because it is hidden in complex global supply chains managed by big multinational companies. These supply chains connect many countries and industries, so slavery happens in both rich and poor nations.

Why Slavery Continues

Why does slavery still exist and even thrive in different industries and places? The main reason is that global supply chains are complicated. Many companies use other companies to handle parts of their work, making it hard to ensure fair working conditions. Even companies that try to be ethical often struggle to monitor their entire supply chains effectively. Some companies know about slavery in their supply chains but ignore it because it can be profitable for them.

The Reality of Modern Slavery

"Modern slavery" includes forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. In the past, slavery was considered a private issue, but in the 1980s, international organizations started to address forced labor by companies. Modern slavery can involve people who agree to work but end up in bad conditions. In 2016, about 40.3 million people were victims of modern slavery, with forced labor alone making $51.2 billion. This problem is not only in poorer countries but also in developed nations.

Global Supply Chains

The complexity of global supply chains helps keep modern slavery going. These supply chains involve many steps in production, trade, and investment. Many companies that manage these chains do not provide clear information, which allows slavery to continue. Some companies use their power to push for lower costs, often leading to poor labor conditions.

Why Modern Slavery is Profitable

Modern slavery is profitable for several reasons. Companies may use cheap labor to reduce costs or make extra money by charging high prices for things like housing and food, which can lead to debt bondage. Problems like temporary visas and job market inequalities make the situation worse. For example, workers in cocoa production in West Africa may be trapped in slavery-like conditions while their labor supports global supply chains.

Conclusion

Modern slavery is a serious issue deeply connected to global supply chains and driven by money. To tackle this problem, companies need to improve how they manage their supply chains, be more transparent, and take responsibility. Everyone, including companies and consumers, needs to work together to fight against these exploitative practices.

For further details, refer to the full study here.

1. Why do you think modern slavery is so widespread and hidden in global supply chains? How can we make it more visible?

2. What actions should companies take to ensure that they are not supporting modern slavery in their supply chains?

3. How might the impact of modern slavery be different in rich countries compared to poorer ones? 

4. Why do you think some companies might ignore modern slavery in their supply chains even if they know about it?

5. What do you believe is the most important step to take to stop modern slavery? How can both companies and individuals help?