Human trafficking is a choice made by those in power to commodify and take away the choices of others, but protection for victims and vulnerable communities is possible. This is the core message of Andrey Sawchenko, Regional Vice President of Forced Labor Programs, Asia Pacific for International Justice Mission (IJM). On this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Andrey talks with host Gwen Hassan about his passion for creating a better reality for exploited and marginalized individuals, and how he found an outlet to achieve this goal through his work with International Justice Mission. The organization focuses on preventing human trafficking, including forced labor, by working with governments to enact and especially implement laws that work for rights holders and survivors. Andrey and Gwen discuss how businesses can help rid their supply chains of forced labor and join the fight against modern slavery.
Consistent enforcement of anti-forced labor laws is crucial in combating human trafficking. This can drive down rates of labor trafficking across sectors and supply chains. This approach is effective because it introduces a real threat of punishment or penalties, and focuses on places where trafficking crimes occur at the greatest scale. Empowering survivors and building systems capacity through training and strengthening policy are also crucial. Survivors of human trafficking need a safe and enabling environment to support rebuild their lives.
Andrey suggests four actions that corporations could do to help end modern slavery. First, start from the perspective of workers when understanding the issue and when assessing the risk in corporations’ supply chains. This involves mapping out their supply chains and identifying the areas where the risk of forced labor is high. Businesses can advocate with government in the high-risk areas of their supply chain to enforce worker protection laws. Second, support organizations like International Justice Mission who are working with and advocating for the most vulnerable workers to help amplify their voice, and supporting the work of lawyers, investigators, and social workers to provide trauma-informed care for victims of forced labor, seek justice and recover from their experiences. Third, enable accessibility of communication channels for workers to raise their voice and report safely when they are mistreated. These may include internal, third-party, and government channels. Fourth and equally important, establish a code of conduct that define and align with human rights standards. This means setting clear and ethical standards for labor practices, and aligning purchasing decisions with these standards.
Andrey points out that International Justice Mission has partnered with Walmart.org, Target, Westpac, Meta, Seafood Task Force, and Responsible Business Alliance’s Responsible Labor Initiative, among others. Listen to this episode to learn more.
Resources
Andrey Sawchenko on LinkedIn
Responsible Business Alliance Responsible Labor Initiative
