New modern slavery research puts Australian business on notice

Millions trapped in slavery in the Indo-Pacific region are working right now to make the Christmas presents that many Australians will buy from Australian businesses and give joyfully on December 25.

In the lead up to Christmas, International Justice Mission (IJM) Australia has released a preview of upcoming research, which puts these businesses on notice.

The research, which examines more than 400 modern slavery statements from companies who have submitted to the Australian government’s public register, highlights a disturbingly high risk of modern slavery in products from a key Australian trading partner.

In a preview of the Spot Fires in Our Supply study, to be released in early 2022, it is revealed that from A$5.5 billion in 2020-21 exports from India to Australia, an estimated A$2.1 billion worth of commodities carried a high potential risk of their production being linked to modern slavery practices such as:

·             debt bondage

·             forced labour

·             child labour

·             human trafficking

“Here in the lucky country, many of us look forward to Christmas, however for millions of people who make the presents under the tree, it’s a time of abuse,” said IJM Australia CEO, Steve Baird.

“Shockingly, the new research tells us that almost 40 percent of the commodities Australian companies source from India are carrying a high potential risk of having modern slavery contribute to their production.

“This upcoming report will provide the foundation to assist Australian businesses fully appreciate the scale of the problem and understand what can be done to drive the necessary change.

“Australian companies relying on these supply chains throughout our region need to do more to address modern slavery and we want to work with them to turn this around.”

IJM Australia is part of a global network branching across more than twenty countries, with the mission of protecting people in poverty from violence.

The United Nations predicts there are more than 40 million people living in slavery around the world, with an additional 150 million forced into child labour.

In the soon-to-be released research report, IJM Australia has put more than 400 Australian companies under the microscope.

“It’s a dangerous misconception that slavery is just a stain on our past. The problem is here, now and actually escalating, as global multinationals all seek to compete on price,” Mr Baird said.

“Our investigations reveal that far too many businesses are not doing enough to address the risks of modern slavery in their own supply chains.

“We look forward to releasing the final Spot Fires in Our Supply report early next year and working with Australian companies on ending modern slavery.”