Find government COVID 19 information at https://sacoronavirus.co.za
Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • News
  • Features
  • Knowledge Library
  • Columns
  • Customs
  • Jobs
  • Directory
  • FX Rates
  • Contact us
    • Contact us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send us news
    • Editorial Guidelines
COVID-19
Other

Supply chain's stake in modern slavery revealed

16 Nov 2021 - by Eugene Goddard
0 Comments

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

Heavily congested ports, lagging production because of workforce pressures stemming from social distancing, and now, renewed demand outstripping supply and sending soaring freight rates higher than ever before, have taken a huge toll on supply chains.

But while this has been well documented, what remains untold, in the wake of a world recalibrating itself, is the lingering effect of lockdowns on human decency and how this has forced people facing extreme need into a position of abject labour violations.

According to an analysis published by the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (Modern Slavery PEC): “Comprehensive evidence points to increased vulnerability of workers to forced labour in global supply chains during the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Funded by the United Kingdom’s Arts and Humanities Council, the centre has found that the pandemic has increased vulnerability to modern slavery all over the world, including in the UK, as many of the underlying wider factors underpinning modern slavery have worsened, such as poverty, inequality and unemployment.

The analysis points out that “construction, manufacturing, including ready-made garment production, as well as accommodation and food services have been the sectors most affected by the pandemic”.

Earlier this year, Berlin-based pressure group for ethical and sustainable fashion, Panaprium, revealed that it had found that 13 brands in the fashion, garment, or textiles-use industries were still using sweatshops.

Some of the brands it identified for having an alleged role in modern slavery were Adidas, H&M, Nike, and Disney.

Of the Walt Disney Company, it said the following: “Disney, the American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate, also makes lots of clothing and toys.

“Disney's products available in stores are made in sweatshops using child labour.

“Disney breaches local labour laws, oppresses Chinese workers, forces staff to do three times the amount of work they should, and drives them to suicide.”

To read what Panaprium had to say about some of the other brands it exposed, follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/crhsvnmh.

Modern Slavery PEC said: “It found that the increased vulnerability of workers to forced labour is often linked to long and complex supply chains, of which businesses have limited visibility.”

It emphasised that migrant and informal workers were most affected, particularly in the lower tiers of supply chains.

“There is evidence of an increase in the risk of forced labour, both in supply chains that experienced a significant reduction in demand, such as garments, and those that experienced demand spikes, such as PPE production.

“The problems were compounded by businesses struggling with the immediate impact of the pandemic, making it difficult to mitigate the modern slavery risks in their supply chains, including by making it very challenging to carry out due diligence processes on suppliers on the ground.

“Additionally, some of the early response by business to the pandemic exacerbated vulnerability to modern slavery, for example by cancelling contracts and withholding payment for goods already produced.”

Better life for people, planet and logistics

Sponsored
Road/Rail Freight

With the new UD Euro 5 range, cleaner emission is achieved thanks to UD Trucks' Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology.

Yesterday

Transnet announces shortlisted port partners for Durban and Ngqura

Sea Freight

Several top international port operators have expressed interest in partnering with the parastatal to improve operations.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Report reveals lack of trust in punctual parcel freight

Technology

Survey finds that e-commerce trust is not what it should be.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Bunker prices at noon, August 15

Sea Freight

Follow Freight News for your daily shipping fuel updates.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Citrus exports up 7% despite EU challenges

Imports and Exports

Transnet has provided an update on the citrus season’s exports and on its free import storage procedures.

 

Yesterday
0 Comments

MSC partnership in clinical purchase

Sea Freight

Mediclinic acquired for 3.7 billion pounds.

Yesterday
0 Comments

Cuban oil terminal fire is out, six dead

International

The loss of fuel storage capacity will intensify the country’s rolling blackouts which are already a problem due to its ageing power plants.

Yesterday
0 Comments

In case you missed it

Logistics

 A look back at last week’s top stories.

Yesterday
0 Comments

SA meets with EU to clear blocked citrus exports

Imports and Exports

More than 2 000 citrus containers have been detained at ports across the EU for not complying with “unreasonable” new rules.

12 Aug 2022
0 Comments

Global prosperity – a blessing stalked by a curse

International

The world cannot sustain humankind’s growing hunger for resources.

12 Aug 2022
0 Comments

Swazi-Moz rail venture could triple volumes by next year

Road/Rail Freight

Deal smooths the way for cargo trains through Goba border to Port of Maputo.

12 Aug 2022
0 Comments

Mining institute highlights ESGS

Social Development

Responsible mining should become part of industry’s DNA – former president of SAIMM.

12 Aug 2022
0 Comments
  • More

FeatureClick to view

SA Import Trade August 2022

Border Beat

24-hour operation considered for Beira Corridor border
03 Aug 2022
SA’s new border guards will tackle illicit trade and movement
14 Jul 2022
Zambia and DRC sign joint communiqué about borders
13 Jun 2022
More

Featured Jobs

New

Sea/Air Import/Export Controller (Multimodal) DBN

Tiger Recruitment
Durban
15 Aug
New

Air Import Operations Controller

Lee Botti & Associates
Johannesburg East
15 Aug
More Jobs
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Freight News RSS
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send us news
  • Contact us