Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA)’s Post

Since RIAA’s Human Rights Working Group of investors was established in 2017, modern slavery has been a key focus. Since then, we've seen many developments, not least of which has been the introduction of mandatory modern slavery reporting in Australia in 2018, the massive increase in focus by investors (in both Australia and Aotearoa NZ) on where modern slavery might be occurring in the supply chains of investee companies, and the recent review of the Modern Slavery Act. There are many steps an investor can take to not just identify where this #humanrights abuse is occurring, but to provide remediation to workers who have experienced #modernslavery. Looking forward to working with Chris Evans and team on lifting Australian investors' role in addressing the situation of the approximately 50 million people living in modern slavery globally. And so pleased to have a wonderful Working Group of institutional and impact investors to collaborate with, chaired by the impressive Måns Carlsson OAM and with the leadership of Jessica Rowe and Jackson Rowland. #esg #responsibleinvestment

Chris Evans has been appointed as the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner, starting on the 2nd of December 2024. We welcome the appointment of Chris Evans, who has a 20-year career as a senator alongside leading the Global Freedom Network, business and unions. We have worked with Chris in the past, and look forward to working with with him in this new role. We believe that the current design of the anti-slavery commissioner role, however, is somewhat limited. It has a lower budget and more limited powers to equivalent commissioner roles at the national level. To this, we suggest three key changes. 1. Substantially increase the Commissioner’s budget; 2. Ensure the Commissioner has enforcement and investigation powers; and 3. Introduce a due diligence obligation into the Modern Slavery Act, so that large companies are required to take concrete action to address modern slavery risks, not just report annually on their efforts. Congratulations, Chris Evans. We look forward to working with you to abolish modern slavery in Australia and it's global supply chains. https://lnkd.in/gBfdfCgZ

Fantastic to see the appointment of Australia's first Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Mr. Chris Evans. We need to continue to address modern slavery including human trafficking, forced labour, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and more. In 2022–23, the Australian Federal Police received more reports of modern slavery than in any other reporting period so there is a great deal more work to be done. Organisations have a legal responsibility in Australia to address modern slavery and there is a clear and critical need for all organisations to knowingly commit to practices that protect vulnerable people from the devastating impacts of modern slavery. As a national organisation, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to ensure the way in which we purchase goods and services are done so ethically, and that we actively engage in knowing the manner and processes in which goods and services are provided to us. We acknowledge in Life Without Barriers that as an active participant in global supply chains, we have the capability and obligation to take comprehensive steps to safeguard the impact we have on people through our procurement. We welcome Chris's appointment as Commissioner and look forward to working with him and his office in addressing modern slavery in our country. #modernslavery #antislavery https://lnkd.in/gP6FtxYQ

💡 On this #AntiSlaveryDay, we are pleased to see that the #HouseOfLords has released its #report on the Modern Slavery Act 2015. At Sophie Hayes Foundation we welcome this reflection from the House of Lords, holding successive Governments to account and highlighting what needs to be done regarding: ➡ The meaningful integration of lived experience in the MSHT sector - at SHF our #survivor community CREW has this year commenced a Lived Experience Advisory Group which feeds into all aspects of our work. ➡ Access to work for #ModernSlavery survivors - for nearly 15 SHF has been working with survivors on employability, an essential part of their journeys to recovery. ➡ The lack of political #leadership at the heart of the denigration of the Modern Slavery Act - we are heartened to see, as called for in the SHF 2024 General Election Manifesto, modern slavery is again sitting with the Minister for Safeguarding and #VAWG. However, much remains to be done. 📖 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eY9UPYRu

Historic Milestone: Australia's First Federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner Bill 2023 passed through Parliament. Big news yesterday, as Australia achieved a momentous milestone by successfully passing the Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023 through Parliament. This landmark legislation is a testament to the Albanese Government's commitment to combat modern slavery. It establishes an independent Commissioner to spearhead this crucial fight, bringing enhanced support to victims and survivors, increasing community awareness, and assisting businesses in addressing modern slavery risks within their operations and supply chains. The Modern Slavery Amendment (Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023 amends the Modern Slavery Act 2018 to establish the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner as an independent statutory office holder within the Attorney-General's portfolio. This move fortifies government, business, and civil society efforts to prevent and respond to modern slavery. The Commissioner's role is pivotal in this fight, encompassing crucial tasks such as supporting victims and survivors, raising community awareness, and assisting businesses in addressing modern slavery risks within their operations and supply chains. This comprehensive approach is a testament to the seriousness of the Australian government tackling this issue. Key highlights of this initiative include: Enhanced Support: The Commissioner will provide robust support to victims and survivors of modern slavery. Community Awareness: Increased efforts to educate and inform the community about modern slavery. Business Accountability: Helping businesses identify and mitigate the risks of modern slavery practices. The Australian government has allocated $8 million to the 2023-24 budget over four years. This financial commitment indicates the government's belief in the importance of the Commissioner's role and its dedication to shaping future modern slavery reforms. The search for the inaugural Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner will commence soon through a transparent and merit-based selection process. This process will involve a diverse panel of experts, including representatives from civil society organisations, business leaders, and government officials, ensuring a comprehensive and fair evaluation of candidates. The Intertek Business Assurance team is proud to see a strong commitment to eradicating modern slavery. There is still so much work to come in the future, but this is great progress! Together, we can foster a future where ethical practices and human dignity are at the forefront of business operations. #ModernSlavery #AntiSlaveryCommissioner #BusinessEthics #SupplyChainTransparency #HumanRights #Australia #SustainableBusiness

Scotland Against Modern Slavery (SAMS) which focuses on the elimination of modern sl... #Employment #EU_Corporate_Sustainability_Reporting_Directive #Modern_Slavery #Police_Scotland #Scotland #Scotland_Against_Modern_Slavery #seminars #supply_chain #UK

Tomorrow is a Canvas, No Promises, Only Possibilities 🌟 At badmsulaw.com , we understand the uncertainty of immigration journeys. Our commitment? Empowering you with knowledge, support, and relentless advocacy. Let's navigate tomorrow's possibilities together. 💙 👍 #ImmigrationLaw #Possibilities #Empowerment #badmuslaw #dallastx #immigrationlawyerusa

We invite you to join our partners Justice In Motion and Together Rising for a briefing on Monday, May 13th to learn more about the current landscape in family reunification directly from those doing the work and to hear how funders can support the collective effort for families to access justice and healing. Between 2017 and 2018, the U.S. government forcibly separated thousands of migrant children from their parents at the U.S.–Mexico border. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) successfully challenged the government to end its horrific “Zero Tolerance” Family Separation Policy and reunify families (Ms. L. v ICE). However, by that time, over 5,000 parents had already been separated and 1,000 of those deported without their children. The U.S. government failed to keep adequate records of the separations and had neither a plan nor the intention to locate parents and reunite them with their children. Many organizations jumped into action to do different pieces of the work to locate and reunite families, and still others have stepped in in the years since. Most of the 5,000 families originally separated have been reunified thanks to these efforts. But the work doesn’t end there. On December 8, 2023, a federal court approved a settlement agreement in the Ms. L class action lawsuit brought. Where does this leave us now? What benefits will these families have access to and what is missing? Do families have a chance at staying in the USA with their children or will some soon face deportation and possibly re-separation? Finally – and critically – how can funders support these efforts? Cathleen Caron, Executive Director of Justice in Motion, will moderate a panel, which will include: - Church World Service - Together & Free - Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) - Justice in Motion Please register here: https://lnkd.in/gNRRtnwG

🚨 Breaking News 🚨   Today, Australia celebrates a historic milestone—the appointment of our inaugural Federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evans! This important position will bring together communities, businesses, and government to address and prevent modern slavery at all levels.    The Commissioner will provide independent oversight, advocacy, and coordination, and holds a specific mandate to promote compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), provide resources and guidance to support survivors, advocate for policy changes, and further modern slavery research and education.   Anti-Slavery Australia looks forward to collaborating with the Commissioner to bring about lasting change for survivors and protect others from harm. We encourage the Government to adequately resource this role to ensure it can make an enduring difference.   Professor Jennifer Burn AM, Director of Anti-Slavery Australia: "The appointment of Australia’s first Federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner represents a powerful commitment to addressing the prevalence and prevention of modern slavery. This role has the potential to bring real, measurable change across sectors and borders. At Anti-Slavery Australia, we are excited to support Chris as an important partner in achieving the justice and protection for survivors."   The Commissioner will have a national jurisdiction, serving for a five-year term and reporting annually on the impact of their work. While unable to investigate individual cases, the Commissioner’s focus will bring much-needed attention to the complex, systemic issues in modern slavery, empowering all sectors to act decisively.   #ModernSlavery #AntiSlaveryCommissioner