8 - 14 avenue de la paix
in Geneva 1202
Today’s globalized economy involves complex international supply chains of goods and services. Both materials and labour are now regularly sourced from all corners of the globe. Accompanying this fact is a grave risk that can be difficult to detect – namely that these services are provided by, or these materials are produced by, victims of trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation.
Consequently, States, private sector entities, as well as regional and inter-governmental organizations are increasingly recognizing the need to implement measures that prevent and respond to exploitative labour in the goods and services they procure.
The United Nations, for its part, has an integral role to play in tackling trafficking in persons in supply chains, considering all its complex elements to ensure that no one is left behind. UN Security Council Resolutions 2331 (2016) and 2388 (2017) call upon UN system organizations to enhance transparency in their due diligence requirements, whether they operate in conflict zones or not, to mitigate the risk of contributing to trafficking in persons through procurement and supply chains. The Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT) has recently launched an initiative to support these efforts, engaging with the UN Procurement Network.
With the aim to draw attention among UN Member States on the importance of preventing trafficking in human beings through sound procurement policies and procedures, ICAT and the Group of Friends will co-organize a side event on the margins of the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council. The event could elaborate on the existing requirements at the international, regional, and national level, will feature some of the best practices and policies, and provide an insight into what international organizations can do to support these efforts.
PROGRAMME
12:00-12:15
- Opening remarks and moderation by Mr. Matthew Taylor, UNODC, ICAT Coordinator;
- Opening remarks by H.E Yury Ambrazevich, Permanent Representative of Belarus, Chair of the Group of Friends
12:15-13:00: Panel Discussion:
- Mr. Valiant Richey, OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings;
- Ms Anne-Claire Blok, Liaison Analyst, UN Women Liaison Office, Geneva;
- Mr. Stephen McGlynn, PM of Australia in Geneva, representative of The 5 Eyes;
- Mr. Thomas Wissing, , Head, Advocacy and Partnership Unit, ILO;
- Mr. Mathieu Luciano, Head, Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants Unit, IOM
13:00-13:30: Interactive discussion