Globally, it is estimated that there are over 40 million men, women and children in modern slavery today. Two thirds of these victims are in Asia. These victims, who can be found in factories, construction sites, fisheries and sex venues, are forced to work for little or no pay, deprived of their freedom and often subjected to unimaginable suffering. Many of them are trapped in supply-chain slavery. Despite the efforts of governments, the United Nations, and NGOs around the world, only 0.2% of the victims of slavery are helped each year. For the world to make a difference in addressing this problem, the private sector needs to engage in this fight. Fighting slavery is the right thing to do, and the private sector is increasingly being scrutinised by both the public and the powers that be. New laws related to modern slavery see a rising number of lawsuits against corporations that fail to act. Wider media attention to the problem of slavery, provides further impetus for companies to take up the fight. Gradually, good businesses are stepping up to fight the business of slavery. With this in mind, the Mekong Club will launch the “ESG” project as the community leader in the fight against modern slavery. We will produce a set of quantified indicators of modern slavery in an effort to facilitate investment into companies that are making significant efforts to address the problem.

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Evidence from Japanese companies assessment on human rights due diligence
Guidance

The Human Rights Council unanimously endorsed the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in 2011. More than 10 years later, this global standard for how business should respect human rights has driven some positive change. While ...Read More

From Vulnerability to Resilience: Sex Workers Organising to End Exploitation
Guidance

Sex workers globally organize, unionize and develop initiatives to protect themselves from violence, exploitation, and human rights violations. They share strategies of how to work independently, where to work and how to keep themselves safe. Many s...Read More

Modern Slavery Reporting Practices in the UK: Evidence from Modern Slavery Statements and Annual Reports
Guidance

Modern slavery is moving up the political and legislative agenda within the UK, whilst shareholder and investor initiatives on the issue are increasing. Whilst recent global events, such as the war in Ukraine, are further increasing modern slav...Read More

Lawyers Manual on Human Trafficking
Guidance

Edited by by Jill Laurie Goodman and Dorchen A. Leidholdt.A guide for legal professionals working with victims of human trafficking.