20th November, 2015
Norway’s decision to ratify a new International Labour Organization protocol targeting forced labour has been hailed as a "significant step" forward in the fight against slavery around the world.
The decision, which follows the earlier ratification of the ILO protocol by Niger, means new measures introduced to the Forced Labour Convention – including requiring public and private employers to exercise "due diligence" in avoiding modern slavery in their business practices and supply chains – will now come into force on 9th November next year.
Guy Ryder, director-general of the ILO, says Norway’s ratification of the protocol "will help millions of children, women and men reclaim their freedom and dignity". "It represents a strong call to other member states to renew their commitment to protect forced labourers, where-ever else they may be."
The ILO estimates there are 21 million people around the world who are victims of forced labour, generating approximately $US150 billion a year in illegal profits. Victims work in a range of industries including agriculture, fishing, domestic work, construction, manufacturing, mining and others, and women and girls, in particular, are subject to commercial sexual exploitation.
ILO research has previously shown that forced labour is not only an issue in developing countries and that profits from forced labour are higher in developed economies, including the European Union, than anywhere else in the world.
In Australia, Sunday marks End Exploitation Sunday, a World Vision initiative to draw the attention of churches to the issue of slavery around the world.
– DAVID ADAMS
