Modern slavery - Animation

Summary

The video highlights the serious issue of modern slavery, including forced labor, human trafficking, and debt bondage, emphasizing its hidden nature in everyday life. It provides examples relevant to UNSW students and staff, such as the exploitation in garment production and the hospitality sector. The Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018 aims to improve transparency in supply chains, and UNSW is committed to eradicating these risks through dedicated resources and education. Viewers are encouraged to educate themselves, support ethical consumption, and engage with non-profits to combat modern slavery, ultimately fostering a collective effort towards a world free from such exploitation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modern slavery encompasses severe exploitation through forced labor, human trafficking, and debt bondage.
• 😀 This unethical practice is often hidden from daily life and is deeply embedded in the global economy.
• 😀 Consumers may unknowingly contribute to modern slavery through their purchases and the services they use.
• 😀 Companies often outsource production to low-cost countries, where workers face harsh conditions and threats.
• 😀 Transparency in the garment industry is crucial to combat the culture of fear and secrecy surrounding workers' rights.
• 😀 In the hospitality industry, modern slavery can manifest as underpaid laborers forced to work without legal protections.
• 😀 The Modern Slavery Act 2018 mandates reporting obligations for Australian entities with significant revenue.
• 😀 UNSW is committed to eradicating modern slavery risks and will report according to the Modern Slavery Act.
• 😀 Organizations are required to maintain accountable and transparent supply chains to mitigate modern slavery.
• 😀 UNSW will provide resources on modern slavery through an intranet page to educate staff and engage suppliers.

Q & A

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery involves severe exploitation of human beings through mechanisms like forced labor, human trafficking, and debt bondage.

Why is modern slavery often concealed from everyday life?

Modern slavery practices are unethical and deeply embedded in the global economy, making them difficult to recognize and address.

How can individuals unknowingly contribute to modern slavery?

Individuals may contribute through the items they buy and the services they use, often without realizing the exploitation involved in their production.

What challenges do workers in countries with low labor costs face?

Workers often experience forced overtime, denial of sick leave, and threats of punishment for speaking out, leading to a culture of fear and secrecy.

What role does transparency play in combating modern slavery?

Increased transparency in industries, like the garment sector, is essential for exposing unethical practices and ensuring fair labor conditions.

What is an example of modern slavery in the hospitality industry?

Workers in restaurants may be underpaid and coerced into working under false legal employment, often with threats related to their visas.

What legislation has the Australian government implemented regarding modern slavery?

The Modern Slavery Act 2018 requires certain entities in Australia to meet reporting obligations to maintain accountable and transparent supply chains.

What is UNSW's commitment to addressing modern slavery?

UNSW is committed to eradicating modern slavery risks in its operations and will report in line with the Modern Slavery Act.

What resources will UNSW provide to staff regarding modern slavery?

UNSW will launch an intranet page with toolkits to help staff engage with suppliers and monitor modern slavery risks.

How can individuals take action to minimize their modern slavery footprint?

Individuals can educate themselves about workplace policies, report abuses, support ethically sourced products, and volunteer with organizations like Anti Slavery Australia.