On 16th October, the International Supply Chain Protection Organization was proud to welcome STOP THE TRAFFIK to present as part of its London summit. The presentation, delivered by Nick Dale and Matt Jolley from the NGO’s Intelligence team, covered an issue which is vitally important, but little talked about, within supply chain protection: modern slavery and labour exploitation.
The International Labour Organization estimates that 27.6 million people are trapped in forced labour globally, producing $236 billion in profits annually. Over a quarter of this illicit revenue is generated within the supply chains of private companies, across every sector and region. The value of goods linked to forced labour imported into the UK alone totals $26 billion each year, with apparel and electronics particularly high-risk.
International shipping, too, is itself rife with exploitation. Seafarers are commonly required to pay thousands of dollars in recruitment fees, forcing many into debt bondage. Once at sea, they can be trapped on boats for months, abandoned by their employers. In 2024, 3,133 crew members were deserted by ship owners, up 87% from 2023.
Labour exploitation, though, isn’t just a moral issue. It’s a crime that disrupts supply chains and harms business.
Legislation across North America and the EU bans the import of goods made with forced labour, even if exploitation took place further up the supply chain. Shipments can be seized at the border or prohibited from sale unless importing companies demonstrate adequate human rights due diligence within their supply chains. Incoming regulations threaten substantial fines for companies that lack adequate controls.
“Labour exploitation is a little-known but critical issue affecting ISCPO’s members and the supply chain community. We’re delighted to promote the work of STOP THE TRAFFIK and recommend that our members and the community use their expert services to better understand and minimise their exposure to this kind of supply chain risk.” Byron Smith – President and Chairman, ISCPO
STOP THE TRAFFIK are a global NGO working to prevent human trafficking and modern slavery through disrupting the illicit business model that allows traffickers to benefit from exploitation. STOP THE TRAFFIK runs targeted awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable people from exploitation, provides intelligence to banks which prevents traffickers from profiting from their crime, and partners with businesses to prevent the demand for exploitation.
STOP THE TRAFFIK can support you in identifying risk within your business and supply chains through conducting risk mappings and providing strategic insights. From here, adverse media reports and actionable insights help you monitor your supply chain, and consultancy services provide guidance on mitigation strategies – all with the goal of limiting risk, preventing exploitation, and minimising supply chain disruption.
Find out more about how STOP THE TRAFFIK can support your business on their website.