Wednesday, December 21, 2016


For the past few decades, globalization has changed logistics and supply chain management. Products may be manufactured and assembled across different countries. Often manufacturers or importers have very little idea how the imported parts/goods are made. It is estimated that over 30 million people could be working in an environment of slavery or forced labor worldwide. Trafficking men, women and children is a big business around the world. According to the International Labor Office, modern day slavery could generate over $150 billion every year.
There are hundreds of products that could be made by modern day slaves. These products are that we use every day like coffee, chocolate (cocoa), smart phones, computers, garments, and hand bags to name a few. What are we doing to prevent it?
There are many governmental and non-governmental agencies and private organizations are involved to prevent this. US Aid (www.usaid.gov/news-information/frontlines/democracy-human-rights-governance/fighting-modern-day-slavery) is involved around the world to prevent it from happening. This organization helps protect the victims and prosecute traffickers. UNICEF’s Child First program (www.unicefusa.org/mission/protect/trafficking/end) and Amnesty International (www.amnesty.org/en/) are working to prevent the trafficking of children. There are many private non-profit organizations around the world working to prevent human trafficking and help people who are trapped as slave labors. 
In our modern world, globalization will stay with us. When a company outsources manufacturing their products or imports goods from foreign countries, the company needs to be very careful. The company should make sure that any slave labor or child labor is not involved in manufacturing their products. Even companies that import goods from a foreign country should be aware of this huge problem. Using slave labor could tarnish the image of a company once it is unveiled.   Due to current refugee crisis the number of slave / forced labor is growing.
Here is a resource from US Department of Labor on this subject: www.dol.gov/ilab/reports/pdf/tvpra_report2014.pdf

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