More than 27 million people globally – mainly women and girls – are victims of human trafficking and forced labor. Companies can play a significant role in identifying and preventing human trafficking by eliminating forced labor in their supply chains.
In conjunction with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in the United States, Know the Chain recently released its fourth Apparel and Footwear Benchmark. The 2023 benchmark evaluates 65 global apparel and footwear companies on their efforts to identify, address, and remediate instances of forced labor and other human rights violations throughout their supply chains. The report indicates that companies need to focus on implementing robust due diligence programs and policies to prevent human rights violations and recommends companies increase stakeholder engagement and incorporate workers’ voices into the process.
Although Mercy-engaged companies including Gap, Under Armour, Amazon and Walmart scored above average, the report will assist Mercy Investment Services as it continues to push these companies to implement thorough due diligence that prevents human rights violations in their supply chains.