Walk Free

The electronics sector is a huge global industry, with the consumer electronics market projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030. 🌏 Modern slavery in the sector takes many forms - from forced labour in mineral mines to exploitative working conditions in factories. Workers are vulnerable to debt bondage, illegal overtime, wage theft, and hazardous conditions. Migrant workers, children, and other marginalised groups also face heightened risk. Companies have a moral and legal responsibility to protect workers. They must ensure their supply chains are free of exploitation. One way that national legislation has responded is with Modern Slavery Acts (MSAs). This places obligations on companies in all sectors to report on how they are addressing the risks of modern slavery. Walk Free and Wikirate have assessed the statements of the largest and most influential companies reporting under the UK and Australian MSAs. 📖 This report provides a snapshot of their level of disclosure of modern slavery risks, identifies good practices, and highlights gaps in reporting quality.

From Australia to the US to Saudi Arabia, the G20 (the world’s 20 wealthiest countries) are driving modern slavery vulnerability. Every year, the G20 imports billions of products that were likely made with forced labour. They are also responsible for modern slavery happening on their shores. What will it take for human rights to take priority over economic gains? Walk Free G20 Brasil 2024

Colombian Congress has passed a landmark bill banning child marriage. The 'They are Girls, Not Wives' bill prohibits marriage under 18 and introduces programs to prevent early unions. This is a significant step in protecting children’s rights. The law addresses gender-based vulnerabilities and prioritises support for at-risk populations, especially girls from Indigenous and marginalised communities. For the bill to finally become law, the Colombian President must approve it and reaffirm the government's commitment to children's rights. We support the women’s groups and leaders who have achieved this important milestone, and urge President Gustavo Petro to approve the bill.

The EU has now approved a new law banning the sale of products made with forced labour. The Forced Labor Regulation (FLR) will remove items linked to forced labour from the EU market. This is a major step in protecting human rights. Banned goods must be withdrawn, donated, recycled or destroyed and companies that fail to comply can be fined. Products can re-enter the EU market only when the company eliminates forced labour from its supply chain. Walk Free welcomes this positive step forward in holding companies accountable and combatting forced labour globally.

More people are living in modern slavery today than at any other time in history.   This month's 2024 G20 Summit in Brazil brings together the leaders of the world's major economies to address global challenges.   The Summit will address pressing global issues, such as economic reforms, geopolitical tensions, and the fight against modern slavery.    As nations address the climate crisis, leaders must avoid sacrificing basic human rights in their push for sustainability. 

There is an urgent need to recognise the human rights of those at the front of supply chains in our current economy and in the future green economy. With #COP29 underway, the just transition needs to be seen as a foundational part of a sustainable world, not an issue on the sidelines. You cannot harm people in the name of “saving the planet”. Leaders must learn to rebuild the economy in a way that protects workers and the planet. #OsloFF Oslo Freedom Forum (OFF) Human Rights Foundation (HRF) Walk Free

The climate crisis is also a human rights crisis. Environmental degradation and the ongoing impacts of climate change increase the risk of extreme poverty, disease, and displacement. This makes people more vulnerable to modern slavery. If we fail to address the climate crisis and human rights together, the transition to a sustainable world will come at the expense of workers' rights, further cementing structural inequality. The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, taking place in Baku this week, focuses on increasing climate finance and updating emissions reduction targets Leaders must address human rights to ensure a sustainable future that protects both people and the planet. Vanessa Nakate - the Young Leader of the UN Sustainable Development Goals - explains why this intersectional approach is needed now more than ever.

Investors are continuing their collaborative efforts to combat modern slavery across Asia and the Pacific. 🌏 The Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking Asia Pacific (IAST APAC) initiative seeks to uncover instances of modern slavery within supply chains, support improvements in the lives of impacted individuals, and prevent future occurrences. 👉 Read the new annual report to learn how it’s being done. IAST APAC members address modern slavery across policy advocacy and company engagement. The progress includes: 🔸Making a submission to the Australian Government’s National Victims Compensation Scheme. 🔸Publishing core metrics on modern slavery for companies, data providers, and standards setters to use. 🔸Engaging with 21 focus companies in the Asia-Pacific region to support them with identifying and addressing modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains. For this progress, IAST APAC was awarded the Principles of Responsible Investment’s Recognition for Action – Human Rights award in October 2024.

There’s growing concern over the ongoing crisis and displacement in Lebanon and its impact on migrant workers and their vulnerability to modern slavery. Urgent support is needed for these workers, including access to shelters, basic services, and healthcare. Walk Free condemns the escalation of indiscriminate and large-scale airstrikes across Lebanon. We call for an immediate end to hostilities and the prioritisation of human rights for all. We urge leaders to act swiftly to uphold human rights protections and ensure peace for affected communities. 📰 Migrant Workers' Action

We welcome the appointment of our former colleague, Chris Evans, as Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner. This is a critical step toward the Government's promise to strengthen protections against modern slavery. Incoming legislation in Europe is set to enforce stringent supply chain checks to uphold human rights. Without similar measures, Australia could become a market for products tainted by exploitation. Prioritising survivors' experiences is essential for shaping effective policies and ensuring businesses uphold human rights. We congratulate Mr Evans, formerly Walk Free’s Strategic Engagement Lead and the director of the Global Freedom Network, on his well-deserved appointment.