ILO panel on “Supply Chain Management – Eliminating the Risks of Forced Labour and Trafficking”
AIDE MEMOIRE
The overall objective of the panel is to demonstrate the role that business can play at different levels of their management and operations in preventing forced labour. Speakers will highlight the risk of forced labour and trafficking in global supply chains, strategies of risk management and the challenges that lie ahead. The panel will include presentations from government and trade unions to offer diverse perspectives on the issue. The purpose of this interactive discussion is to raise critical issues related to supply chain management.
(Wednesday, 13 February, 14:30 – 16:00)
BACKGROUND
The Vienna Forum to Fight Human Trafficking to be held at United Nations Headquarters in Vienna from 13 to 15 February 2008 will focus on the three overriding themes of vulnerability, impact and action. It will offer plenary sessions and a series of panels and workshops on different aspects of the three themes.
This event is part of the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT). The Global Initiative aims to mobilize state and non-state actors to eradicate human trafficking by i) reducing the vulnerability of potential victims and the demand for exploitation in all its forms; ii) ensuring adequate protection and support to those who do fall victim, and iii) supporting the efficient prosecution of the criminals involved, while respecting the fundamental human rights of all persons.
UN.GIFT is part of a wide partnership by the UN-System and other international and regional organisations (ILO, IOM, OSCE, OHCHR, UNICEF, and UNODC). These organisations, which form part of UN.GIFT Steering Committee, are responsible for the organisation of the panels and workshops of The Vienna Forum.
The panel on “Supply Chain Management – Eliminating the Risks of Forced Labour and Trafficking” is organised by ILO. The ILO’s particular mandate on forced labour, labour trafficking and child labour is of direct concern to companies and their suppliers in a wide range of economic sectors. In addition, employers’ organisations are ILO constituent members alongside government and workers’ organisations. The panel seeks to share private sector experience in combating forced labour and trafficking in global supply chains.
CONTEXT
The panel builds on innovative initiatives in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that have emerged in the private sector in recent years. While many individual companies and business associations have addressed forced labour in their codes of conduct, these organisations face a myriad of challenges translating them into practice. What are the distinctions between sub-standard working conditions and forced labour? How are workers trafficked into forced labour? What role is played by private labour recruitment agencies in this process? How can responsibilities be delineated between suppliers and buyers? What are the industries that are most at risk?
OBJECTIVES
The overall objective of the panel is to demonstrate the role that business can play at different levels of their management and operations in preventing forced labour. Speakers will highlight the risk of forced labour and trafficking in global supply chains, strategies of risk management and the challenges that lie ahead. The panel will include presentations from government and trade unions to offer diverse perspectives on the issue. The purpose of this interactive discussion is to raise critical issues related to supply chain management.
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
The report of the panel is expected to highlight points of discussion and recommendations for future action. A summary will be incorporated into the final report of the Vienna Forum. The results of the panel discussion will also feed into an ILO-led expert group on supply chain management under the UN.GIFT. In the framework of this project, a series of high-level expert group meetings will be held during 2008 leading to the development of capacity building and guidance materials. Furthermore, the panel will provide a unique platform for business and other participants to network.
STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
The panel will involve a moderator and four speakers. Following introductory remarks, each speaker will have a maximum of 10 minutes to present. Time will be provided at the end of these presentations for questions and comments from the audience, and for discussion. A Rapporteur will prepare a detailed report of the panel.
THEMES
Speakers will address the following themes:
1. The risk of trafficking and forced labour in global supply chains;
2. The experiences of business, challenges it faces and lessons learned;
3. The role of social dialogue and stakeholder engagement in combating forced labour and trafficking in the supply chain;
4. Law and public policy initiatives to support private action to combat forced labour
PARTICIPANTS
The room will have a capacity for 200-250 persons. Participants expected include representatives of private business, trade unions, employers’ organisations, government, NGOs, academia, and representatives of CSR institutes as well as international organisations.
WORKING LANGUAGES
Simultaneous interpretation into the following languages will be provided: English, Spanish, French, Russian, Arabic and Chinese.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name: Philip Hunter
Division: Special Action Programme to Combat Forced Labour
Organisation: ILO
E-mail: g3declaration@ilo.org