Global supply chains and modern slavery are major themes in the world in 2016 with initiatives that should build in 2017 and 2018 if momentum can be sustained. The ILO, G7, EU, and World Bank all have meetings on this topic this year. At the same time, civil society is stepping up efforts to fight against the root causes and the manifestations of modern slavery, including through strategic litigation – while the UK’s Modern Slavery Act has the potential to spur greater action by business. 

There is momentum for increasing the collective efforts to eliminate modern slavery, while we learn from each other’s efforts and explore best ways to leverage and merge strategies. Some of the efforts remain unknown to most people. This event was held to shed more light on them; to be a space to share lessons and experiences; and engender collaboration for the future.

Speakers: 

• Chair: Phil Bloomer, Executive Director, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
• Nick Grono, CEO, Freedom Fund
• Shanta Martin, Partner, Leigh Day
• Roger Alford, Law Professor, University of Notre Dame 
• Kevin Hyland, UK’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner
• Danielle McMullan, Senior Researcher, Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
• Question & Answer session 

The event was co-hosted by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre and University of Notre Dame Law School.