New model guidelines published on govt. measures to prevent trafficking for labour exploitation in supply chains
"Model Guidelines on Government Measures to Prevent Trafficking for Labour Exploitation in Supply Chains", February 2018
[T]his document summarizes how trafficking of human beings for labour exploitation (THB/LE) can be prevented through fair and ethical labour recruitment, public procurement reform and increased transparency in supply chains. It contains related model laws and clauses for OSCE participating States and provides recommendations on strategies to implement such measures. The guidance aims to assist OSCE participating States and Partners for Co‐operation in developing and implementing appropriate legal and policy frameworks...
OSCE participating States can promote transparency in commercial supply chains to enable scrutiny of a company’s performance to prevent THB/LE and to encourage the production of goods responsibly... [T]here is a general lack of transparency throughout the supply chain and... persistent violations of labour rights occur... OSCE participating States should consider requiring businesses, especially those operating in high risk sectors, to exercise and disclose due diligence on how they avoid adverse human rights impacts...
OSCE [...] identified an information gap related to worker awareness of the downstream brands that purchase from supply chains they are embedded in. This information gap has critical implications for worker voice and empowerment to resist THB/LE...
Binding legal requirements are the most effective way to provide clarity on what companies are required to disclose, and to create a level playing field in the industry.