ILO workshop on “Demand for Forced Labour and Sexual Exploitation – How and Why it Fuels Human Trafficking”

AIDE MEMOIRE

Conference paper | 28 January 2008
The workshop on “Demand for Forced Labour and Sexual Exploitation – How and Why it Fuels Human Trafficking” is organised by ILO. The ILO has led research efforts on labour trafficking in particular and carried out major research on the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to human trafficking, such as the lack of labour market regulations, labour administration, competition and growth in specific sectors, and other related issues.
The workshop will seek to clarify some of these concepts and questions. It will also provide a platform to exchange good practice on initiatives that have addressed the “demand side”, including research.

THE VIENNA FORUM TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

13-15 February 2008

Vienna, Austria

AIDE MEMOIRE

DEMAND FOR FORCED LABOUR AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION – HOW AND WHY IT FUELS HUMAN TRAFFICKING

(Thursday, 14 February, 11:00 – 12:30)

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 workshop on “Demand for Forced Labour and Sexual Exploitation – How and Why it Fuels Human Trafficking” is organised by ILO. The ILO has led research efforts on labour trafficking in particular and carried out major research on the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to human trafficking, such as the lack of labour market regulations, labour administration, competition and growth in specific sectors, and other related issues.

Anti-trafficking advocates have consistently called for more effective action to curb the demand that underpins human trafficking. But what exactly does “demand” mean in the context of human trafficking? Does it refer to the end-users of services that are provided by trafficked persons, to the consumers of products that were produced by trafficked persons or to the demand of cheap and exploitable labour more generally? Or can it also refer to the underlying systemic factors in labour markets, the economy or society at large that fuel human trafficking? What is the role of intermediaries, labour recruitment agents, or other agents that are the link between supply and demand?

The workshop will seek to clarify some of these concepts and questions. It will also provide a platform to exchange good practice on initiatives that have addressed the “demand side”, including research.

A summary of the key messages and discussions will be elaborated and incorporated into the final report of the Vienna Forum. The debate is expected to stimulate further research on the subject, led by ILO or other organisations.

The panel will involve four to five 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 amongst the panellists. A Rapporteur will prepare a report about the workshop.

Speakers will focus on the following themes:

Underlying factors that create a breeding ground contributing to trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation

Consumer-led initiatives to prevent forced labour and trafficking

Labour market regulations and links to human trafficking

The perspective of trade unions on assessing demand for cheap and exploitable labour

The room will have a capacity for x persons. Participants expected include government representatives, academics, representatives of workers’ and employers’ organisations, NGOs and consumer-led initiatives as well as international organisations.

The language of this workshop and of available resource materials will be English.