Guidance on due diligence for EU businesses to address the risk of forced labour in their operations and supply chains
16.07.2021
An estimated 25 million people are in forced labour globally. Out of this number, 16 million are exploited in the private sector, 4.8 million are in forced sexual exploitation and 4 million in forced labour imposed by state authorities. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by forced labour.
Combatting forced labour is a priority for the EU. In line with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the EU is committed to eliminating all violations of fundamental principles and rights at work, including forced labour, promoting the protection of victims of business-related abuses, as well as ratification and effective implementation of ILO fundamental conventions. In accordance with the EU Treaties, the EU promotes respect for human rights, including labour rights, in the world. This includes also a long standing commitment of the EU to “decent work”.
Responsible business conduct by European companies plays a crucial role in ensuring that EU policies on human rights are effectively implemented, including with regard to labour. The EU is committed to promoting the implementation of responsible business conduct5 across all sectors of production and all levels of the supply chain and the protection of victims of business-related human rights violations and abuses, and calls on EU companies to respect human rights, including labour rights, regardless of their location, size, sector, operational context, ownership and structure.