On any given day in 2016, 40 million people were victims of modern slavery. Of these, an estimated 25 million people were subjected to forced labour. Some 4.3 million were children.
Since then, the COVID-19 crisis has reshaped the world and forced labour is on the rise. The pandemic has created the perfect storm of poverty and exploitation. It is increasing the pool of workers vulnerable to forced labour and worsening work situations that are already exploitative.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), who often operate at local or sub-national level, could be catalysts when it comes to ending forced labour. Despite their potential, they are often left out of the conversation. Involving SMEs could help change the tide on forced labour, despite the worsened outlook.
Alliance 8.7 and the ILO Global Business Network on Forced Labour would like to invite you to a webinar on the role of SMEs in fighting forced labour. Together, we will aim to answer the following questions:
- How can SMEs help to end forced labour?
- How can we incentivize them to get involved?
- What policy frameworks are helpful?
- What works on the ground when it comes to working with local businesses?
- What can we learn from area-based approaches, which have been successful in eradicating and preventing child labour?
- Where can I find useful tools and resources?
The webinar will take place on Thursday 22 April, 15:00-16:30 CEST. In parallel, Alliance 8.7 and ILO GBNFL will moderate an online discussion from Monday 19 April to Friday 23 April on the same topic.
Don’t forget to register to join us!