4 stakeholders focusing on child labour in supply chains
The link between child labour and global supply chains is often indirect – that’s why we need multi-stakeholder solutions
We’re highlighting some of the 2021 Action Pledges we’ve received. Get inspired by these short stories about how governments, UN agencies, NGOs, universities, organizations, tripartite partners, and many more are joining the global movement for children.
How can we reduce child labour in supply chains?
The 2021 Global Estimates on Child Labour highlight the fact that there is still a heightened risk of child labour in domestic and global supply chains. It is most likely to occur in the lower tiers, in activities like raw material extraction and agriculture. That makes traceability challenging.
However, governmental and non-governmental stakeholders can get to the root of the problem by working together. They might conduct research, share knowledge, leverage resources – the opportunities for action are boundless.
Here’s what some of our pledge makers are doing:
Inter IKEA Group
Inter IKEA Group is an organization based in the Netherlands.
Their 2021 Action Pledge aims to further integrate children’s rights into the IKEA supply chain management system. Specifically, the organization will analyze child rights and examine risks to youth unemployment and lack of educational opportunities in connection to its supply chain.
“We are aware that the vulnerable situation for children in global supply chains has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis, and this makes our responsibility to act even more urgent.”
Throughout the year, the organization will partner up to increase and scale up its efforts. For example, they will join the ILO Child Labour Platform as a member.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands’ Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are government institutions. Their pledge is also supported by Dutch social partners and NGOs.
Their 2021 Action Pledge aims to eradicate child labour, specifically in supply chains. As a Pathfinder Country, the government sees it as its duty to protect children’s rights. The government launched a special community app in early 2021 to raise awareness about the issue, and to share experiences and good practices, to help businesses apply due diligence in their supply chains.
“Tackling child labour is a complex task, where a joint commitment is absolutely key to achieving a sustainable solution. It requires the use of various, mutually reinforcing instruments.”
Throughout the year, the government, social partners, and NGOs will organize a series of meetings to share knowledge, stimulate matchmaking, and activate businesses. The government will also develop new multi-stakeholder initiatives through the Fund Against Child Labour.
Assent Compliance
Assent Compliance is an organization based in Canada.
Their 2021 Action Pledge aims to help business address child labour in their supply chains by releasing a free survey for the collection and sharing of child labour risk data across supply chains. The easy-to-use tool will be available for download here.
“We recognize that child labor in supply chains is a business issue and that businesses have a responsibility to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for all adverse human rights impacts in their operations and supply chains, including child labour.”
Throughout the year, the organization will design, release, and promote the tool to support companies on the essential aspects of due diligence.
OLAM International Limited
OLAM International Limited is an organization based in Singapore.
Their 2021 Action Pledge aims to implement tailored action plans to address child labour in supply chains that Olam manages. The plan is to deepen employee and supplier understanding of the issue, promote safe spaces for migrant children in high-risk areas, and foster sustainable working practices to reduce families’ reliance on child labour.
“In our operations and supply chains, as well as through our participation in sector-wide initiatives, we are joining with companies, NGOs, governments and communities to raise the bar and positively impact the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people.”
Throughout the year, the organization will share its journey with other members of the Child Labour Platform to make a more strategic contribution to the elimination of child labour.