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Theme 8: Measurable impact

Monday 3 – Wednesday 5 February 2025 I WP3406

African,Workers,Are,Picking,Out,Fresh,Coffee,Beans,At,Washing
  1. Modern slavery, regulation and investment: finding a balanced approach to SDG8
  2. Principles for a balanced approach
  3. Discussion and Conclusions – Theme 1: The importance of worker-centred approaches
  4. Theme 2: Equitable partnerships throughout the value chain
  5. Theme 3: Collecting and utilising the right data
  6. Theme 4: Ensuring sustainability
  7. Theme 5: Understanding and alleviating pressures on EMDE businesses
  8. Theme 6: Collaboration and stakeholder engagement
  9. Theme 7: Effective legislative and policy measures
  10. Theme 8: Measurable impact

The notion that forced labour in supply chains, debt bondage and, to some extent, human trafficking, are hidden and isolated phenomena is fundamentally untrue. Modern slavery and challenges to human rights are deeply embedded in systems and practices that exploit vulnerability. The discussions called for addressing these endemic issues by reliance on both voluntary initiatives and top-down regulation. There is a need to shift from a compliance approach towards an impact approach that prioritises prevention, continuous improvement and accountability.

Key conclusions:

  • Business focus on human rights due diligence should shift from cyclical remediation to proactive prevention, acknowledging that risks are inherent in operations and supply chains and prioritising prevention over remediation.
  • Worker voice tools should be used not only to reach workers but also to drive continuous improvements, through analysing real-time data to identify larger trends and inform proactive business and policy interventions, thereby helping to drive results and build mutual trust among stakeholders.
  • Lessons learned on tangible outcomes and impact of multi-stakeholder initiatives should be shared among stakeholders, promoting accountability, transparency and a shared understanding of good practice.

Faiza Zafar

Wilton Park | February 2025

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Theme 7: Effective legislative and policy measures

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