The ILO estimates that there are 25 million people in forced labour globally. Early indications show that the social and economic consequences of the COVID-19 crisis will further exacerbate the root causes of forced labour. As we continue to work towards SDG 8.7, a concerted, collective effort on the part of business and governments is more necessary than ever. Read more about this in our briefing note here.
The ILO Global Business Network on Forced Labour hosted a webinar for members and interested stakeholders on the eradication of forced labour in the current context on Friday 29 May, 14:30-15:30 CET. Joining the webinar were 160 businesses, business networks and other stakeholders.
Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General, introduced the topic and Emmanuel Faber, Chairman and CEO, Danone, and CEO Sponsor, Consumer Goods Forum Human Rights Coalition – Working to End Forced Labour focussed on the role of companies in addressing forced labour. Following that, our expert panelists discussed challenges to eradicating forced labour and promoting local solutions that focus on including smaller enterprises.