"Gov't, Business Leaders Commit to End Modern Slavery at Bali Process Forum", 25 August 2017

Governments and businesses from 45 member countries of the Bali Process Forum…made a commitment to adopt the Indo-Pacific Modern Slavery Acts in a collective effort to end modern slavery in the region….

The Indo-Pacific Modern Slavery Acts…will force companies to detail efforts in eradicating modern slavery from their supply chains.

Australia’s business co-chair of the forum…Andrew Forrest, described the commitment as an "unprecedented breakthrough."

Discussions among major business leaders in the region…led to the understanding that legislation was necessary…"to protect at-risk workers…."

The legislation will be applied in each of the 45 member countries of the Bali Process.

…Companies that adhere to these laws will be awarded certifications….

…In the past…the lack of exposure on the issue of modern slavery…made it easier for businesses to ignore it.

…The commitments seen during the forum are important examples of the responsiveness of the private sector to the growing trends among consumers across the globe, who are increasingly more critical in evaluating the origins of the goods they purchase.

Established in 2002, the Bali Process is an international forum for policy dialogue on people smuggling, human trafficking and related transnational crime.