Our Risky Business report provides a snapshot of the number of New Zealand businesses working in typically high-risk industries, and the extent to which businesses are currently addressing slavery in their supply chains.
Read the full report here.
Here in New Zealand, each one of us is connected to modern slavery, including child labour, through the products we buy and the services we use in our homes and workplaces.
Without knowing what’s happening in their supply chains, New Zealand businesses could be an unwitting part of enslaving people.
The businesses surveyed purchased information and communications technology (ICT), electronics, food and beverage products, raw materials, textiles and apparel – all goods we know are at risk of being made with child and forced labour.
In recent years, there have been increasing calls for modern slavery legislation in New Zealand. The report research shows that New Zealand businesses are not voluntarily taking action to address modern slavery in their supply chains. Legislation should be accompanied with the guidance and tools New Zealand companies need to identify and address modern slavery risks now.
Across the globe, businesses are increasingly expected to have an in-depth understanding of their supply chains, and to actively identify and address risks of modern slavery. New Zealand lags behind many of our trading partners, including Australia, Canada, the UK and the EU, where supply chain transparency and modern slavery legislation are standard practice. It’s time we catch up.
Together, we can make a world that respects the dignity of all people and families. No exceptions.