Human Rights in Procurement: Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking
Broadway III/IV
Does your purchasing abet human rights abuses? Many suppliers—in sectors like electronics, apparel, seafood, and more—source from countries where abuses are common. Modern slavery and human trafficking attract growing attention from lawmakers and consumers. But supply chains are complex. How can you begin to respect the human rights of workers who make your computers, clothes, and food?
This session aims to help institutional purchasers begin a step-by-step process to build capacity and hold suppliers accountable for human rights in their supply chains. We will start with these basic questions:
1. What is “modern slavery” and where might it exist in my supply chains? Which abuses are more prevalent?
2. What are the modern-slavery and transparency laws? What has changed recently?
a. California law, the UK Modern Slavery Act, and the Australia MSAb. French Duty of Vigilance Lawc. US Trafficking Victims Protection Act (legal claims and procurement rules)d. US Tariff Act, recently amended to prohibit imports made with forced-labor
3. How can my company, university or government begin to be “diligent” on human rights? Is there an approach that is incremental and affordable?
a. Set your standard for suppliers to follow; adopt a sourcing codeb. Assess your risk; pick your targetsc. Begin to monitor your suppliers
4. In the long run, how can purchasers “leverage” or scale up their impact on human rights?
a. Become more transparentb. Join a consortium
Presenter Slides
CONTINUING EDUCATION CONTACT HOURS FOR ISM’S CPSM AND CPSD PROGRAMS AND UPPCC’S CPPO AND CPPB PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED FOR ALL CONCURRENT SESSIONS. CONCURRENT SESSIONS QUALIFY FOR 1 CONTINUING EDUCATION CONTACT HOUR.
Panel Presentation