Hidden Traffic with Gwen Hassan http://www.compliancepodcastnetwork.net en 2021 What is human trafficking? What is modern slavery? Where does it show up in the daily life of an organization? Human trafficking doesn't always take the form we first imagine - it can be found at almost any level of an organization's supply chain. What can compliance professionals do to assess human trafficking risk and how can they leverage the resources of the organizations they work for to help root out this tragic problem? Gwen Hassan is here to help - this is Hidden Traffic. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/3b0f9746-1584-11ec-86b5-7f2680654cff/image/HTPArt.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Hidden Traffic with Gwen Hassan http://www.compliancepodcastnetwork.net no episodic Exposing the Problem of Human Trafficking in Modern Supply Chains Gwen Hassan What is human trafficking? What is modern slavery? Where does it show up in the daily life of an organization? Human trafficking doesn't always take the form we first imagine - it can be found at almost any level of an organization's supply chain. What can compliance professionals do to assess human trafficking risk and how can they leverage the resources of the organizations they work for to help root out this tragic problem? Gwen Hassan is here to help - this is Hidden Traffic. What is human trafficking? What is modern slavery? Where does it show up in the daily life of an organization? Human trafficking doesn't always take the form we first imagine - it can be found at almost any level of an organization's supply chain. What can compliance professionals do to assess human trafficking risk and how can they leverage the resources of the organizations they work for to help root out this tragic problem? Gwen Hassan is here to help - this is Hidden Traffic.

]]> Gwen Hassan gwenhassan@yahoo.com The Truth Behind Chinese Forced Labor Camps with Nury Turkel Many of us may not realize the extent to which forced labor and unethical practices can influence the products we rely on every day. In this episode of The Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan and Nury Turkel explore the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and the serious loopholes in global trade compliance. Their conversation reveals troubling gaps in the law, especially the de minimis rule, which allows items valued under $800 to bypass inspections when entering the U.S. Originally meant to streamline trade, this exemption has now become a tool for unchecked imports, including forced-labor goods and even illicit substances like fentanyl. Nury highlights the urgency of corporate accountability, noting that UFLPA compliance is too often seen as a procedural task rather than a meaningful ethical commitment. He emphasizes that corporate leaders have the power to drive change, urging them to advocate for stricter enforcement and proactive measures across their supply chains. Nury’s perspective is clear: this isn’t just about regulatory adherence—it’s about embedding ethical practices that prioritize human rights and transparency in business operations. Consumers, too, play a vital role in holding companies to higher standards. Increased public awareness and demand for responsibly sourced goods create a ripple effect, encouraging companies to be more transparent. Nury’s closing message to listeners is a reminder that each conscious choice contributes to a global movement against forced labor. By fostering accountability at every level, we can push toward a world where ethical practices are the norm, not the exception. Resources: Nury Turkel on the Web | LinkedIn |  X (Twitter) | Hudson Institute Events No Escape: The True Story of China's Genocide of the Uyghurs Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:10:00 -0000 full 43 Gwen Hassan In this episode of The Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan and Nury Turkel explore the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and the serious loopholes in global trade compliance. Many of us may not realize the extent to which forced labor and unethical practices can influence the products we rely on every day. In this episode of The Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan and Nury Turkel explore the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and the serious loopholes in global trade compliance. Their conversation reveals troubling gaps in the law, especially the de minimis rule, which allows items valued under $800 to bypass inspections when entering the U.S. Originally meant to streamline trade, this exemption has now become a tool for unchecked imports, including forced-labor goods and even illicit substances like fentanyl. Nury highlights the urgency of corporate accountability, noting that UFLPA compliance is too often seen as a procedural task rather than a meaningful ethical commitment. He emphasizes that corporate leaders have the power to drive change, urging them to advocate for stricter enforcement and proactive measures across their supply chains. Nury’s perspective is clear: this isn’t just about regulatory adherence—it’s about embedding ethical practices that prioritize human rights and transparency in business operations. Consumers, too, play a vital role in holding companies to higher standards. Increased public awareness and demand for responsibly sourced goods create a ripple effect, encouraging companies to be more transparent. Nury’s closing message to listeners is a reminder that each conscious choice contributes to a global movement against forced labor. By fostering accountability at every level, we can push toward a world where ethical practices are the norm, not the exception. Resources: Nury Turkel on the Web | LinkedIn |  X (Twitter) | Hudson Institute Events No Escape: The True Story of China's Genocide of the Uyghurs Many of us may not realize the extent to which forced labor and unethical practices can influence the products we rely on every day. In this episode of The Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan and Nury Turkel explore the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and the serious loopholes in global trade compliance. Their conversation reveals troubling gaps in the law, especially the de minimis rule, which allows items valued under $800 to bypass inspections when entering the U.S. Originally meant to streamline trade, this exemption has now become a tool for unchecked imports, including forced-labor goods and even illicit substances like fentanyl.


Nury highlights the urgency of corporate accountability, noting that UFLPA compliance is too often seen as a procedural task rather than a meaningful ethical commitment. He emphasizes that corporate leaders have the power to drive change, urging them to advocate for stricter enforcement and proactive measures across their supply chains. Nury’s perspective is clear: this isn’t just about regulatory adherence—it’s about embedding ethical practices that prioritize human rights and transparency in business operations.


Consumers, too, play a vital role in holding companies to higher standards. Increased public awareness and demand for responsibly sourced goods create a ripple effect, encouraging companies to be more transparent. Nury’s closing message to listeners is a reminder that each conscious choice contributes to a global movement against forced labor. By fostering accountability at every level, we can push toward a world where ethical practices are the norm, not the exception.


Resources:

Nury Turkel on the Web | LinkedIn |  X (Twitter) | Hudson Institute Events

No Escape: The True Story of China's Genocide of the Uyghurs

]]> 1857 no Trade Law and Human Rights with Dean Pinkert Many of us may not realize the intricate web of human rights violations that can be hidden within the supply chains of the products we use every day. In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Dean Pinkert from the Corporate Accountability Lab sheds light on the complexities of leveraging trade laws to tackle human rights abuses, specifically the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and the challenges of tracing supply chains. As we delve into the nuances of trade law enforcement and the implications of circumvention tactics, one question arises: How can companies effectively navigate the intersection of trade law and human rights to ensure ethical sourcing practices? The Corporate Accountability Lab, based in Chicago, focuses on incubating ideas to address human rights and environmental abuses through innovative approaches. Dean explains how trade laws, such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, can serve as a promising yet blunt instrument in combating human rights violations in supply chains. Supply chains can be difficult and complex to navigate. Dean sheds light on the challenges companies face in tracing their supply chains back to the raw material level and the importance of applying inferences where necessary. Dean emphasizes the need for companies to leverage available technologies, such as machine learning on supply chain links, to ensure compliance with regulations and ethical standards. He also highlights the interconnected nature of labor and environmental abuses, urging companies to be vigilant in addressing any signs of wrongdoing within their supply chains. The key takeaway is clear: transparency, diligence, and swift action are crucial in combating human rights violations and ensuring ethical practices in global trade. Despite the difficulty and interruption it might bring, Dean underscores the importance of reporting any instances of abuse or corruption, emphasizing the need for companies to act swiftly and responsibly. The message is clear: awareness and proactive measures are essential in a world where human rights violations can lurk beneath the surface of everyday products. We can strive towards a more ethical and responsible global supply chain by working together and staying vigilant. Resources Dean Pinkert on LinkedIn | Corporate Accountability Lab Thu, 30 May 2024 04:10:00 -0000 full 42 Gwen Hassan In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Dean Pinkert from the Corporate Accountability Lab sheds light on the complexities of leveraging trade laws to tackle human rights abuses, specifically the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and the challenges of tracing supply chains. Many of us may not realize the intricate web of human rights violations that can be hidden within the supply chains of the products we use every day. In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Dean Pinkert from the Corporate Accountability Lab sheds light on the complexities of leveraging trade laws to tackle human rights abuses, specifically the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and the challenges of tracing supply chains. As we delve into the nuances of trade law enforcement and the implications of circumvention tactics, one question arises: How can companies effectively navigate the intersection of trade law and human rights to ensure ethical sourcing practices? The Corporate Accountability Lab, based in Chicago, focuses on incubating ideas to address human rights and environmental abuses through innovative approaches. Dean explains how trade laws, such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, can serve as a promising yet blunt instrument in combating human rights violations in supply chains. Supply chains can be difficult and complex to navigate. Dean sheds light on the challenges companies face in tracing their supply chains back to the raw material level and the importance of applying inferences where necessary. Dean emphasizes the need for companies to leverage available technologies, such as machine learning on supply chain links, to ensure compliance with regulations and ethical standards. He also highlights the interconnected nature of labor and environmental abuses, urging companies to be vigilant in addressing any signs of wrongdoing within their supply chains. The key takeaway is clear: transparency, diligence, and swift action are crucial in combating human rights violations and ensuring ethical practices in global trade. Despite the difficulty and interruption it might bring, Dean underscores the importance of reporting any instances of abuse or corruption, emphasizing the need for companies to act swiftly and responsibly. The message is clear: awareness and proactive measures are essential in a world where human rights violations can lurk beneath the surface of everyday products. We can strive towards a more ethical and responsible global supply chain by working together and staying vigilant. Resources Dean Pinkert on LinkedIn | Corporate Accountability Lab Many of us may not realize the intricate web of human rights violations that can be hidden within the supply chains of the products we use every day. In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Dean Pinkert from the Corporate Accountability Lab sheds light on the complexities of leveraging trade laws to tackle human rights abuses, specifically the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and the challenges of tracing supply chains. As we delve into the nuances of trade law enforcement and the implications of circumvention tactics, one question arises: How can companies effectively navigate the intersection of trade law and human rights to ensure ethical sourcing practices?


The Corporate Accountability Lab, based in Chicago, focuses on incubating ideas to address human rights and environmental abuses through innovative approaches. Dean explains how trade laws, such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, can serve as a promising yet blunt instrument in combating human rights violations in supply chains. Supply chains can be difficult and complex to navigate. Dean sheds light on the challenges companies face in tracing their supply chains back to the raw material level and the importance of applying inferences where necessary.


Dean emphasizes the need for companies to leverage available technologies, such as machine learning on supply chain links, to ensure compliance with regulations and ethical standards. He also highlights the interconnected nature of labor and environmental abuses, urging companies to be vigilant in addressing any signs of wrongdoing within their supply chains. The key takeaway is clear: transparency, diligence, and swift action are crucial in combating human rights violations and ensuring ethical practices in global trade.


Despite the difficulty and interruption it might bring, Dean underscores the importance of reporting any instances of abuse or corruption, emphasizing the need for companies to act swiftly and responsibly. The message is clear: awareness and proactive measures are essential in a world where human rights violations can lurk beneath the surface of everyday products. We can strive towards a more ethical and responsible global supply chain by working together and staying vigilant.


Resources


Dean Pinkert on LinkedIn | Corporate Accountability Lab

]]> 1727 no Using Soap to Prevent Exploitation with Kelsey Hill, Founder of Beyond Beauty for Survivors Have you ever considered the impact of basic necessities on vulnerability to human trafficking? Kelsey Hill, the founder of Beyond Beauty for Survivors, shares her eye-opening journey and the crucial work her organization is doing to prevent human trafficking in Uganda. Through her experiences, Kelsey highlights the importance of providing resources like food, water, and education to vulnerable populations to reduce the risk of exploitation. It's incredible to see how simple resources like reusable pads and soap production machines can make a significant difference in the lives of those at risk. Kelsey's story sheds light on the harsh realities faced by women and children in Uganda, where poverty and lack of resources contribute to their vulnerability to trafficking. By focusing on prevention and long-term job sustainability, Beyond Beauty aims to empower survivors and offer them opportunities for a better future. The organization's efforts to provide essential resources like food, water, and medical care, as well as job opportunities through soap production and other initiatives, are truly inspiring. The impact of Beyond Beauty's work goes beyond just providing immediate aid. By creating sustainable solutions and empowering women and children with skills and resources, the organization is helping to break the cycle of vulnerability and exploitation. Kelsey's dedication to making a difference in the lives of survivors and at-risk individuals is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives and community support in combating human trafficking. As we reflect on Kelsey's journey and the work of Beyond Beauty for Survivors, it's a reminder that even small actions can have a significant impact on those in need. By supporting organizations like Beyond Beauty and getting involved in prevention efforts, we can all play a role in ending human trafficking and creating a safer, more equitable world for everyone. Let's join Kelsey in her mission to empower survivors and prevent exploitation, one life at a time. Resources Kelsey Hill on LinkedIn | Beyond Beauty for Survivors Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:10:00 -0000 full 41 Gwen Hassan Kelsey Hill, the founder of Beyond Beauty for Survivors, shares with Gwen Hasan her eye-opening journey and the crucial work her organization is doing to prevent human trafficking in Uganda. Have you ever considered the impact of basic necessities on vulnerability to human trafficking? Kelsey Hill, the founder of Beyond Beauty for Survivors, shares her eye-opening journey and the crucial work her organization is doing to prevent human trafficking in Uganda. Through her experiences, Kelsey highlights the importance of providing resources like food, water, and education to vulnerable populations to reduce the risk of exploitation. It's incredible to see how simple resources like reusable pads and soap production machines can make a significant difference in the lives of those at risk. Kelsey's story sheds light on the harsh realities faced by women and children in Uganda, where poverty and lack of resources contribute to their vulnerability to trafficking. By focusing on prevention and long-term job sustainability, Beyond Beauty aims to empower survivors and offer them opportunities for a better future. The organization's efforts to provide essential resources like food, water, and medical care, as well as job opportunities through soap production and other initiatives, are truly inspiring. The impact of Beyond Beauty's work goes beyond just providing immediate aid. By creating sustainable solutions and empowering women and children with skills and resources, the organization is helping to break the cycle of vulnerability and exploitation. Kelsey's dedication to making a difference in the lives of survivors and at-risk individuals is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives and community support in combating human trafficking. As we reflect on Kelsey's journey and the work of Beyond Beauty for Survivors, it's a reminder that even small actions can have a significant impact on those in need. By supporting organizations like Beyond Beauty and getting involved in prevention efforts, we can all play a role in ending human trafficking and creating a safer, more equitable world for everyone. Let's join Kelsey in her mission to empower survivors and prevent exploitation, one life at a time. Resources Kelsey Hill on LinkedIn | Beyond Beauty for Survivors Have you ever considered the impact of basic necessities on vulnerability to human trafficking? Kelsey Hill, the founder of Beyond Beauty for Survivors, shares her eye-opening journey and the crucial work her organization is doing to prevent human trafficking in Uganda. Through her experiences, Kelsey highlights the importance of providing resources like food, water, and education to vulnerable populations to reduce the risk of exploitation. It's incredible to see how simple resources like reusable pads and soap production machines can make a significant difference in the lives of those at risk.


Kelsey's story sheds light on the harsh realities faced by women and children in Uganda, where poverty and lack of resources contribute to their vulnerability to trafficking. By focusing on prevention and long-term job sustainability, Beyond Beauty aims to empower survivors and offer them opportunities for a better future. The organization's efforts to provide essential resources like food, water, and medical care, as well as job opportunities through soap production and other initiatives, are truly inspiring.


The impact of Beyond Beauty's work goes beyond just providing immediate aid. By creating sustainable solutions and empowering women and children with skills and resources, the organization is helping to break the cycle of vulnerability and exploitation. Kelsey's dedication to making a difference in the lives of survivors and at-risk individuals is a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives and community support in combating human trafficking.


As we reflect on Kelsey's journey and the work of Beyond Beauty for Survivors, it's a reminder that even small actions can have a significant impact on those in need. By supporting organizations like Beyond Beauty and getting involved in prevention efforts, we can all play a role in ending human trafficking and creating a safer, more equitable world for everyone. Let's join Kelsey in her mission to empower survivors and prevent exploitation, one life at a time.


Resources


Kelsey Hill on LinkedIn | Beyond Beauty for Survivors

]]> 2063 no Meeting Professionals Fight Against Human Trafficking with Sandy Biback Human trafficking lurks in unexpected corners, revealing its grim presence even in seemingly ordinary spaces. Sandy Biback, a meetings professional with over four decades of experience, discovered this sobering truth firsthand. In response, she established Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT), taking proactive steps to address the issue. In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Sandy and host Gwen Hassan uncover the surprising prevalence of human trafficking in the hotel and meetings industry and what we can do about it.   After a trip overseas opened her eyes, Sandy started investigating human trafficking in her hometown of Toronto. She soon discovered how widespread it is, including the shocking statistic that 90% of those trafficked in Canada are Canadian-born. Sandy decided to leverage her industry connections and founded MPAHT to raise awareness and promote training. Hotels and planners now recognize they have a duty to combat exploitation that could be enabling trafficking.   This issue needs more than a one-time training, Sandy explains; have ongoing conversations and check-ins to ensure it remains top of mind. She also suggests saving the National Human Trafficking Hotline number on your phone. However, you should not directly intervene if you witness anything suspicious, for both your safety and the victims’. Instead, "phone to the front desk and make a noise complaint, and they’ll send somebody right away," she advises. On a corporate level, Sandy urges meeting planners and procurement teams to query venues and suppliers about their anti-trafficking policies before booking. Vote with your wallets to inspire change. She remarks, “If I’m a meeting planner, and I’m coming in with half a million dollars worth of business, and you can’t tell me about your hotel’s training or awareness, but this hotel can, and it’s the same price, guess where I’m taking my business?”   Rather than reinvent the wheel, Sandy says, use the resources that already exist to help combat human trafficking. For example, PACT offers free resources, including best practices and training. Our collective responsibility is to remain vigilant, educate others, and affect positive change in the industry to protect vulnerable people from exploitation. Resources Sandy Biback on LinkedIn | X (Twitter)  Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking PACT Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:10:00 -0000 full 40 Gwen Hassan In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Sandy Biback and Gwen Hassan uncover the surprising prevalence of human trafficking in the hotel and meetings industry and what we can do about it. Human trafficking lurks in unexpected corners, revealing its grim presence even in seemingly ordinary spaces. Sandy Biback, a meetings professional with over four decades of experience, discovered this sobering truth firsthand. In response, she established Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT), taking proactive steps to address the issue. In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Sandy and host Gwen Hassan uncover the surprising prevalence of human trafficking in the hotel and meetings industry and what we can do about it.   After a trip overseas opened her eyes, Sandy started investigating human trafficking in her hometown of Toronto. She soon discovered how widespread it is, including the shocking statistic that 90% of those trafficked in Canada are Canadian-born. Sandy decided to leverage her industry connections and founded MPAHT to raise awareness and promote training. Hotels and planners now recognize they have a duty to combat exploitation that could be enabling trafficking.   This issue needs more than a one-time training, Sandy explains; have ongoing conversations and check-ins to ensure it remains top of mind. She also suggests saving the National Human Trafficking Hotline number on your phone. However, you should not directly intervene if you witness anything suspicious, for both your safety and the victims’. Instead, "phone to the front desk and make a noise complaint, and they’ll send somebody right away," she advises. On a corporate level, Sandy urges meeting planners and procurement teams to query venues and suppliers about their anti-trafficking policies before booking. Vote with your wallets to inspire change. She remarks, “If I’m a meeting planner, and I’m coming in with half a million dollars worth of business, and you can’t tell me about your hotel’s training or awareness, but this hotel can, and it’s the same price, guess where I’m taking my business?”   Rather than reinvent the wheel, Sandy says, use the resources that already exist to help combat human trafficking. For example, PACT offers free resources, including best practices and training. Our collective responsibility is to remain vigilant, educate others, and affect positive change in the industry to protect vulnerable people from exploitation. Resources Sandy Biback on LinkedIn | X (Twitter)  Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking PACT Human trafficking lurks in unexpected corners, revealing its grim presence even in seemingly ordinary spaces. Sandy Biback, a meetings professional with over four decades of experience, discovered this sobering truth firsthand. In response, she established Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking (MPAHT), taking proactive steps to address the issue. In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Sandy and host Gwen Hassan uncover the surprising prevalence of human trafficking in the hotel and meetings industry and what we can do about it.  


After a trip overseas opened her eyes, Sandy started investigating human trafficking in her hometown of Toronto. She soon discovered how widespread it is, including the shocking statistic that 90% of those trafficked in Canada are Canadian-born. Sandy decided to leverage her industry connections and founded MPAHT to raise awareness and promote training. Hotels and planners now recognize they have a duty to combat exploitation that could be enabling trafficking.  


This issue needs more than a one-time training, Sandy explains; have ongoing conversations and check-ins to ensure it remains top of mind. She also suggests saving the National Human Trafficking Hotline number on your phone. However, you should not directly intervene if you witness anything suspicious, for both your safety and the victims’. Instead, "phone to the front desk and make a noise complaint, and they’ll send somebody right away," she advises.


On a corporate level, Sandy urges meeting planners and procurement teams to query venues and suppliers about their anti-trafficking policies before booking. Vote with your wallets to inspire change. She remarks, “If I’m a meeting planner, and I’m coming in with half a million dollars worth of business, and you can’t tell me about your hotel’s training or awareness, but this hotel can, and it’s the same price, guess where I’m taking my business?”  


Rather than reinvent the wheel, Sandy says, use the resources that already exist to help combat human trafficking. For example, PACT offers free resources, including best practices and training. Our collective responsibility is to remain vigilant, educate others, and affect positive change in the industry to protect vulnerable people from exploitation.


Resources

Sandy Biback on LinkedIn | X (Twitter) 

Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking

PACT

]]> 1194 no The Connection Between Forced Labor and Scam Mills - A Survivor's Story with Valentina Casulli and Abdus Salam Online scammers prey on vulnerable individuals using insidious psychological tactics, often forcing them to work under deplorable conditions in gated compounds. In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Lee Hassan sits down with Valentina Casulli and MD Abdus Salam from Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) to expose the sinister world of human trafficking. Together, they and Gwen highlight the urgency of exposing and addressing this hidden aspect of human trafficking and explore how HRC is creating a comprehensive strategy to combat human trafficking in all its forms. Salam shares a chilling personal experience of being trapped in a scam compound, detailing the manipulative tactics used by scammers. Scam mills often create fake personas to deceive individuals into thinking they can make money through trading or other activities. These fake characters are designed to appear trustworthy, exploiting the victim's trust and leading them into the scam. Additionally, the scammers also use sophisticated psychological tactics to exploit vulnerable individuals. This manipulation can take various forms, such as emotional manipulation in romance scams or creating a false sense of urgency in cryptocurrency scams.  Valentina describes scam compounds as having a physical appearance that resembles apartment blocks. These structures often house rows of computers where individuals work on various online scams. Scam workers endure extraordinarily long working hours, confined in a small space with little freedom of movement.  Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) adopts a comprehensive and localized approach to tackle the issue of human trafficking within online scams and scam compounds. HRC focuses on using local consultants and talent to gain insight into the root causes of human trafficking, Valentina explains. By leveraging local expertise, HRC ensures a nuanced understanding of the cultural and social dynamics contributing to trafficking. Survivor voices play a central role in HRC's work. They collaborate closely with survivor organizations to provide support and empowerment. Salam, as a survivor empowerment officer, is actively involved in counseling, advocacy, and consultancy to empower other survivors. Resources Valentina Casulli on LinkedIn  Abdus Salam on LinkedIn Humanity Research Consultancy Thu, 19 Oct 2023 04:01:00 -0000 full 39 Gwen Hassan In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan sits down with Valentina Casulli and Abdus Salam from Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) to shed light on the hundreds of thousands of individuals ensnared in scams like romance and cryptocurrency schemes. Online scammers prey on vulnerable individuals using insidious psychological tactics, often forcing them to work under deplorable conditions in gated compounds. In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Lee Hassan sits down with Valentina Casulli and MD Abdus Salam from Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) to expose the sinister world of human trafficking. Together, they and Gwen highlight the urgency of exposing and addressing this hidden aspect of human trafficking and explore how HRC is creating a comprehensive strategy to combat human trafficking in all its forms. Salam shares a chilling personal experience of being trapped in a scam compound, detailing the manipulative tactics used by scammers. Scam mills often create fake personas to deceive individuals into thinking they can make money through trading or other activities. These fake characters are designed to appear trustworthy, exploiting the victim's trust and leading them into the scam. Additionally, the scammers also use sophisticated psychological tactics to exploit vulnerable individuals. This manipulation can take various forms, such as emotional manipulation in romance scams or creating a false sense of urgency in cryptocurrency scams.  Valentina describes scam compounds as having a physical appearance that resembles apartment blocks. These structures often house rows of computers where individuals work on various online scams. Scam workers endure extraordinarily long working hours, confined in a small space with little freedom of movement.  Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) adopts a comprehensive and localized approach to tackle the issue of human trafficking within online scams and scam compounds. HRC focuses on using local consultants and talent to gain insight into the root causes of human trafficking, Valentina explains. By leveraging local expertise, HRC ensures a nuanced understanding of the cultural and social dynamics contributing to trafficking. Survivor voices play a central role in HRC's work. They collaborate closely with survivor organizations to provide support and empowerment. Salam, as a survivor empowerment officer, is actively involved in counseling, advocacy, and consultancy to empower other survivors. Resources Valentina Casulli on LinkedIn  Abdus Salam on LinkedIn Humanity Research Consultancy Online scammers prey on vulnerable individuals using insidious psychological tactics, often forcing them to work under deplorable conditions in gated compounds. In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Lee Hassan sits down with Valentina Casulli and MD Abdus Salam from Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) to expose the sinister world of human trafficking. Together, they and Gwen highlight the urgency of exposing and addressing this hidden aspect of human trafficking and explore how HRC is creating a comprehensive strategy to combat human trafficking in all its forms.


Salam shares a chilling personal experience of being trapped in a scam compound, detailing the manipulative tactics used by scammers. Scam mills often create fake personas to deceive individuals into thinking they can make money through trading or other activities. These fake characters are designed to appear trustworthy, exploiting the victim's trust and leading them into the scam. Additionally, the scammers also use sophisticated psychological tactics to exploit vulnerable individuals. This manipulation can take various forms, such as emotional manipulation in romance scams or creating a false sense of urgency in cryptocurrency scams. 


Valentina describes scam compounds as having a physical appearance that resembles apartment blocks. These structures often house rows of computers where individuals work on various online scams. Scam workers endure extraordinarily long working hours, confined in a small space with little freedom of movement. 


Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC) adopts a comprehensive and localized approach to tackle the issue of human trafficking within online scams and scam compounds. HRC focuses on using local consultants and talent to gain insight into the root causes of human trafficking, Valentina explains. By leveraging local expertise, HRC ensures a nuanced understanding of the cultural and social dynamics contributing to trafficking. Survivor voices play a central role in HRC's work. They collaborate closely with survivor organizations to provide support and empowerment. Salam, as a survivor empowerment officer, is actively involved in counseling, advocacy, and consultancy to empower other survivors.


Resources

Valentina Casulli on LinkedIn 

Abdus Salam on LinkedIn

Humanity Research Consultancy

]]> 1432 no Fighting Evil Is Not a Competitive Sport with Ian Mitchell Human trafficking and exploitation are dark undercurrents flowing beneath our modern society, often hidden from view but with implications touching every industry and community. In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan sits down with Ian Mitchell, founder of The Knoble. Ian sheds light on the pivotal role banks play in leading the global fight against child sexual exploitation and related crimes. Together, he and Gwen explore the involvement of various sectors and the ways businesses and individuals can contribute to curbing these heinous acts. Ian founded the nonprofit organization, The Knoble, when he recognized a potential overlap between his expertise in identifying fraudulent financial patterns and the fight against human trafficking. The Knoble aims to create a coalition across the financial industry to recognize and address "human crimes." This term reflects The Knoble's holistic approach to understanding and combating different types of exploitation by placing the human experience at the center of their mission. Their mission encompasses fighting various forms of human exploitation, including human trafficking, modern slavery, child exploitation, scams, and elder exploitation.  The vast majority of human crimes, including child sexual exploitation and human trafficking, are financially motivated. Ian emphasizes the importance of uniting the financial services industry in the fight against human crimes. The idea is to harness the resources, expertise, and techniques traditionally used to combat financial fraud for the broader purpose of tackling various forms of exploitation. Financial institutions play a significant role in combating these crimes due to their robust programs against fraud and money laundering. Ian highlights the consistency in banking ecosystems across more than 14 countries. The similarities in transactional processes across these countries offer an advantage in setting up countermeasures against human trafficking and related crimes.  The fight against human trafficking isn't just reliant on institutions, but also on individuals. Corporations support through various project initiatives related to their business interests, while individuals are trained to identify and act against potential trafficking situations. Moreover, corporations play a pivotal role in addressing human crimes through corporate social responsibility.  Mission Omega, co-founded by Ian, donates a portion of its revenue to The Knoble. This company's objective includes training and employing survivors of human trafficking in fraud detection roles. The idea stemmed from understanding that many survivors couldn't secure good jobs, leading to a high recidivism rate. By training them and offering them respectable jobs, they can not only deter them from returning to trafficking but also provide them with a new lease on life. Resources Ian Mitchell on the Web | LinkedIn | The Knoble Email: ian@theknoble.com Thu, 14 Sep 2023 04:01:00 -0000 full 38 Gwen Hassan In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan sits down with Ian Mitchell, founder of The Knoble. Human trafficking and exploitation are dark undercurrents flowing beneath our modern society, often hidden from view but with implications touching every industry and community. In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan sits down with Ian Mitchell, founder of The Knoble. Ian sheds light on the pivotal role banks play in leading the global fight against child sexual exploitation and related crimes. Together, he and Gwen explore the involvement of various sectors and the ways businesses and individuals can contribute to curbing these heinous acts. Ian founded the nonprofit organization, The Knoble, when he recognized a potential overlap between his expertise in identifying fraudulent financial patterns and the fight against human trafficking. The Knoble aims to create a coalition across the financial industry to recognize and address "human crimes." This term reflects The Knoble's holistic approach to understanding and combating different types of exploitation by placing the human experience at the center of their mission. Their mission encompasses fighting various forms of human exploitation, including human trafficking, modern slavery, child exploitation, scams, and elder exploitation.  The vast majority of human crimes, including child sexual exploitation and human trafficking, are financially motivated. Ian emphasizes the importance of uniting the financial services industry in the fight against human crimes. The idea is to harness the resources, expertise, and techniques traditionally used to combat financial fraud for the broader purpose of tackling various forms of exploitation. Financial institutions play a significant role in combating these crimes due to their robust programs against fraud and money laundering. Ian highlights the consistency in banking ecosystems across more than 14 countries. The similarities in transactional processes across these countries offer an advantage in setting up countermeasures against human trafficking and related crimes.  The fight against human trafficking isn't just reliant on institutions, but also on individuals. Corporations support through various project initiatives related to their business interests, while individuals are trained to identify and act against potential trafficking situations. Moreover, corporations play a pivotal role in addressing human crimes through corporate social responsibility.  Mission Omega, co-founded by Ian, donates a portion of its revenue to The Knoble. This company's objective includes training and employing survivors of human trafficking in fraud detection roles. The idea stemmed from understanding that many survivors couldn't secure good jobs, leading to a high recidivism rate. By training them and offering them respectable jobs, they can not only deter them from returning to trafficking but also provide them with a new lease on life. Resources Ian Mitchell on the Web | LinkedIn | The Knoble Email: ian@theknoble.com Human trafficking and exploitation are dark undercurrents flowing beneath our modern society, often hidden from view but with implications touching every industry and community. In this episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan sits down with Ian Mitchell, founder of The Knoble. Ian sheds light on the pivotal role banks play in leading the global fight against child sexual exploitation and related crimes. Together, he and Gwen explore the involvement of various sectors and the ways businesses and individuals can contribute to curbing these heinous acts.


Ian founded the nonprofit organization, The Knoble, when he recognized a potential overlap between his expertise in identifying fraudulent financial patterns and the fight against human trafficking. The Knoble aims to create a coalition across the financial industry to recognize and address "human crimes." This term reflects The Knoble's holistic approach to understanding and combating different types of exploitation by placing the human experience at the center of their mission. Their mission encompasses fighting various forms of human exploitation, including human trafficking, modern slavery, child exploitation, scams, and elder exploitation. 


The vast majority of human crimes, including child sexual exploitation and human trafficking, are financially motivated. Ian emphasizes the importance of uniting the financial services industry in the fight against human crimes. The idea is to harness the resources, expertise, and techniques traditionally used to combat financial fraud for the broader purpose of tackling various forms of exploitation. Financial institutions play a significant role in combating these crimes due to their robust programs against fraud and money laundering. Ian highlights the consistency in banking ecosystems across more than 14 countries. The similarities in transactional processes across these countries offer an advantage in setting up countermeasures against human trafficking and related crimes. 


The fight against human trafficking isn't just reliant on institutions, but also on individuals. Corporations support through various project initiatives related to their business interests, while individuals are trained to identify and act against potential trafficking situations. Moreover, corporations play a pivotal role in addressing human crimes through corporate social responsibility. 


Mission Omega, co-founded by Ian, donates a portion of its revenue to The Knoble. This company's objective includes training and employing survivors of human trafficking in fraud detection roles. The idea stemmed from understanding that many survivors couldn't secure good jobs, leading to a high recidivism rate. By training them and offering them respectable jobs, they can not only deter them from returning to trafficking but also provide them with a new lease on life.


Resources

Ian Mitchell on the Web | LinkedIn | The Knoble

Email: ian@theknoble.com

]]> 1434 no New Human Trafficking and Child Labor Regulation in Canada with Sean Stephenson The global landscape of human trafficking and forced labor is evolving, and no country is immune. In this episode of Hidden Traffic, Gwen Hassan sits down with Sean Stephenson, an accomplished attorney based in Toronto. Sean works for the multinational law firm Dentons and has extensive experience in trade and investment. The growing concern for supply chain integrity forms a significant part of his work, with particular emphasis on human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor. Together, he and Gwen delve into the new Canadian law aimed at preventing human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor within supply chains. Their conversation also provides insights into the practices of various multinational companies and explores the need for coherence in the anti-slavery reporting and measures across different jurisdictions. The new Canadian legislation is known as the Modern Slavery Act, but is officially titled "Fighting Against Forced Labor and Child Labor in Supply Chains Act." This law is set to come into effect on January 1, 2024. Sean underscores the legislation's scope, noting that it will apply to a wide range of entities and industries that produce, sell, or distribute goods in or import goods into Canada. Sean clarifies, "The legislation is roughly based on another piece of legislation we have in Canada that was adopted a few years ago called the Extractive Sector Transparency Act, that's focused specifically on the extractive sector, …But it's much broader in nature. It's not specific to the extractive sector. It applies to essentially any business formation." Despite the legislation's primarily reporting nature, Sean distinguishes it from an actual diligence standard. He emphasizes the need for convergence in anti-slavery laws globally, which calls for a balance between compliance and alignment in disclosure across jurisdictions. However, he points out some unique features of the Canadian Act, such as its focus on child labor and specific liabilities for companies and directors for false and misleading statements. Both Gwen and Sean believe in the Act’s potential to drive meaningful change in business practices related to human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor.  Sean sheds light on the operations and mandate of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). CORE is an arm of the Canadian federal government, focusing on promoting the implementation of the UN and the OECD guidelines on multinational enterprises. The organization targets three specific areas: garment business, mining, and oil and gas. "Anyone can submit complaints to the CORE about business activities of Canadian businesses, either inside Canada or abroad", Sean explains. He distinguishes CORE's investigative powers, which are funded by the Canadian government, from those of a non-governmental organization. Gwen likens its investigative powers to those of a regulatory authority. Sean points out that CORE cannot force document production but can accept and facilitate discussions around complaints. While CORE can't directly impose penalties, they can recommend fines and referrals to law enforcement. Gwen highlights the potential reputational damage these investigations can pose for companies, and they both agree on the importance of proactive measures in mitigating these risks. Resources Sean Stephenson on LinkedIn | Twitter Dentons  Canada’s Forced Labour and Child Labour Reporting Legislation: What You Need to Know   The CORE of the matter: An overview of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) and its relevance to Canadian businesses operating abroad Thu, 27 Jul 2023 04:01:00 -0000 full 37 Gwen Hassan Together, Sean Stephenson and Gwen Hassan delve into the new Canadian law aimed at preventing human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor within supply chains. The global landscape of human trafficking and forced labor is evolving, and no country is immune. In this episode of Hidden Traffic, Gwen Hassan sits down with Sean Stephenson, an accomplished attorney based in Toronto. Sean works for the multinational law firm Dentons and has extensive experience in trade and investment. The growing concern for supply chain integrity forms a significant part of his work, with particular emphasis on human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor. Together, he and Gwen delve into the new Canadian law aimed at preventing human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor within supply chains. Their conversation also provides insights into the practices of various multinational companies and explores the need for coherence in the anti-slavery reporting and measures across different jurisdictions. The new Canadian legislation is known as the Modern Slavery Act, but is officially titled "Fighting Against Forced Labor and Child Labor in Supply Chains Act." This law is set to come into effect on January 1, 2024. Sean underscores the legislation's scope, noting that it will apply to a wide range of entities and industries that produce, sell, or distribute goods in or import goods into Canada. Sean clarifies, "The legislation is roughly based on another piece of legislation we have in Canada that was adopted a few years ago called the Extractive Sector Transparency Act, that's focused specifically on the extractive sector, …But it's much broader in nature. It's not specific to the extractive sector. It applies to essentially any business formation." Despite the legislation's primarily reporting nature, Sean distinguishes it from an actual diligence standard. He emphasizes the need for convergence in anti-slavery laws globally, which calls for a balance between compliance and alignment in disclosure across jurisdictions. However, he points out some unique features of the Canadian Act, such as its focus on child labor and specific liabilities for companies and directors for false and misleading statements. Both Gwen and Sean believe in the Act’s potential to drive meaningful change in business practices related to human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor.  Sean sheds light on the operations and mandate of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). CORE is an arm of the Canadian federal government, focusing on promoting the implementation of the UN and the OECD guidelines on multinational enterprises. The organization targets three specific areas: garment business, mining, and oil and gas. "Anyone can submit complaints to the CORE about business activities of Canadian businesses, either inside Canada or abroad", Sean explains. He distinguishes CORE's investigative powers, which are funded by the Canadian government, from those of a non-governmental organization. Gwen likens its investigative powers to those of a regulatory authority. Sean points out that CORE cannot force document production but can accept and facilitate discussions around complaints. While CORE can't directly impose penalties, they can recommend fines and referrals to law enforcement. Gwen highlights the potential reputational damage these investigations can pose for companies, and they both agree on the importance of proactive measures in mitigating these risks. Resources Sean Stephenson on LinkedIn | Twitter Dentons  Canada’s Forced Labour and Child Labour Reporting Legislation: What You Need to Know   The CORE of the matter: An overview of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) and its relevance to Canadian businesses operating abroad The global landscape of human trafficking and forced labor is evolving, and no country is immune. In this episode of Hidden Traffic, Gwen Hassan sits down with Sean Stephenson, an accomplished attorney based in Toronto. Sean works for the multinational law firm Dentons and has extensive experience in trade and investment. The growing concern for supply chain integrity forms a significant part of his work, with particular emphasis on human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor. Together, he and Gwen delve into the new Canadian law aimed at preventing human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor within supply chains. Their conversation also provides insights into the practices of various multinational companies and explores the need for coherence in the anti-slavery reporting and measures across different jurisdictions.


The new Canadian legislation is known as the Modern Slavery Act, but is officially titled "Fighting Against Forced Labor and Child Labor in Supply Chains Act." This law is set to come into effect on January 1, 2024. Sean underscores the legislation's scope, noting that it will apply to a wide range of entities and industries that produce, sell, or distribute goods in or import goods into Canada. Sean clarifies, "The legislation is roughly based on another piece of legislation we have in Canada that was adopted a few years ago called the Extractive Sector Transparency Act, that's focused specifically on the extractive sector, …But it's much broader in nature. It's not specific to the extractive sector. It applies to essentially any business formation."


Despite the legislation's primarily reporting nature, Sean distinguishes it from an actual diligence standard. He emphasizes the need for convergence in anti-slavery laws globally, which calls for a balance between compliance and alignment in disclosure across jurisdictions. However, he points out some unique features of the Canadian Act, such as its focus on child labor and specific liabilities for companies and directors for false and misleading statements.


Both Gwen and Sean believe in the Act’s potential to drive meaningful change in business practices related to human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor. 


Sean sheds light on the operations and mandate of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). CORE is an arm of the Canadian federal government, focusing on promoting the implementation of the UN and the OECD guidelines on multinational enterprises. The organization targets three specific areas: garment business, mining, and oil and gas. "Anyone can submit complaints to the CORE about business activities of Canadian businesses, either inside Canada or abroad", Sean explains. He distinguishes CORE's investigative powers, which are funded by the Canadian government, from those of a non-governmental organization. Gwen likens its investigative powers to those of a regulatory authority.


Sean points out that CORE cannot force document production but can accept and facilitate discussions around complaints. While CORE can't directly impose penalties, they can recommend fines and referrals to law enforcement. Gwen highlights the potential reputational damage these investigations can pose for companies, and they both agree on the importance of proactive measures in mitigating these risks.


Resources

Sean Stephenson on LinkedIn | Twitter

Dentons 

Canada’s Forced Labour and Child Labour Reporting Legislation: What You Need to Know  

The CORE of the matter: An overview of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) and its relevance to Canadian businesses operating abroad

]]> 1705 no Compliance Resources and News with Gwen Hassan It’s an indictment of this modern era that exploitation remains alarmingly prevalent. Indeed, the journey towards human trafficking and forced labor prevention is laden with complexities. In this episode of Hidden Traffic, host Gwen Hassan discusses current events and valuable resources to propel the fight against human trafficking. She emphasizes the interplay between corporate compliance, survivor advocacy, and global cooperation in the quest to eradicate human trafficking and forced labor from global supply chains. Follow Money Fight Slavery is a not-for-profit consortium specializing in human trafficking prevention. During their third annual summit, the group unveiled valuable materials, including survivor-led sessions and a keynote address by a survivor turned advocate. These first-hand narratives are key in combating trafficking, Gwen points out.. Unseen UK has launched a petition to urge the UK government to fill the vacant Independent Antislavery Commissioner role. Gwen is concerned about the year-long vacancy in this crucial role, and urges listeners to sign the petition. Strong leadership is crucial in the prevention of human trafficking. The Mekong Club is an organization that has partnered with CNN to raise awareness about human trafficking among students worldwide. This effort is encapsulated in the 'Sweatshop Challenge', an immersive educational experience providing students with a simulated understanding of forced labor conditions. Gwen lauds this creative approach: "Could you do a similar type of sweatshop challenge for your supply chain workers? For people that are out there in your corporate purchasing departments who are buying from foreign suppliers so they have a real personal understanding of what human trafficking does and how injurious it is…?" The recently published white paper by the Mekong Club about modern slavery risks in shipping takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked logistics portion of supply chains, highlighting its susceptibility to human trafficking.  Gwen elaborates on a recent US congressional hearing on the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and its implications on the US supply chain. It hints towards an expansion of the act, potentially encompassing electric vehicle components and eliminating the inspection exemption for shipments worth less than $800. She warns listeners, "If your supply chain touches electric vehicle production or for that matter, batteries or battery production, this could be an early warning signal that there may be additional enforcement focus coming for your supply chain." Resources: Follow Money Fight Slavery Unseen UK The Mekong Club | Modern Slavery in Shipping Supply Chains Thu, 25 May 2023 04:01:00 -0000 full 36 Gwen Hassan In this episode of Hidden Traffic, host Gwen Hassan discusses current events and valuable resources to propel the fight against human trafficking. It’s an indictment of this modern era that exploitation remains alarmingly prevalent. Indeed, the journey towards human trafficking and forced labor prevention is laden with complexities. In this episode of Hidden Traffic, host Gwen Hassan discusses current events and valuable resources to propel the fight against human trafficking. She emphasizes the interplay between corporate compliance, survivor advocacy, and global cooperation in the quest to eradicate human trafficking and forced labor from global supply chains. Follow Money Fight Slavery is a not-for-profit consortium specializing in human trafficking prevention. During their third annual summit, the group unveiled valuable materials, including survivor-led sessions and a keynote address by a survivor turned advocate. These first-hand narratives are key in combating trafficking, Gwen points out.. Unseen UK has launched a petition to urge the UK government to fill the vacant Independent Antislavery Commissioner role. Gwen is concerned about the year-long vacancy in this crucial role, and urges listeners to sign the petition. Strong leadership is crucial in the prevention of human trafficking. The Mekong Club is an organization that has partnered with CNN to raise awareness about human trafficking among students worldwide. This effort is encapsulated in the 'Sweatshop Challenge', an immersive educational experience providing students with a simulated understanding of forced labor conditions. Gwen lauds this creative approach: "Could you do a similar type of sweatshop challenge for your supply chain workers? For people that are out there in your corporate purchasing departments who are buying from foreign suppliers so they have a real personal understanding of what human trafficking does and how injurious it is…?" The recently published white paper by the Mekong Club about modern slavery risks in shipping takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked logistics portion of supply chains, highlighting its susceptibility to human trafficking.  Gwen elaborates on a recent US congressional hearing on the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and its implications on the US supply chain. It hints towards an expansion of the act, potentially encompassing electric vehicle components and eliminating the inspection exemption for shipments worth less than $800. She warns listeners, "If your supply chain touches electric vehicle production or for that matter, batteries or battery production, this could be an early warning signal that there may be additional enforcement focus coming for your supply chain." Resources: Follow Money Fight Slavery Unseen UK The Mekong Club | Modern Slavery in Shipping Supply Chains It’s an indictment of this modern era that exploitation remains alarmingly prevalent. Indeed, the journey towards human trafficking and forced labor prevention is laden with complexities. In this episode of Hidden Traffic, host Gwen Hassan discusses current events and valuable resources to propel the fight against human trafficking. She emphasizes the interplay between corporate compliance, survivor advocacy, and global cooperation in the quest to eradicate human trafficking and forced labor from global supply chains.


Follow Money Fight Slavery is a not-for-profit consortium specializing in human trafficking prevention. During their third annual summit, the group unveiled valuable materials, including survivor-led sessions and a keynote address by a survivor turned advocate. These first-hand narratives are key in combating trafficking, Gwen points out..


Unseen UK has launched a petition to urge the UK government to fill the vacant Independent Antislavery Commissioner role. Gwen is concerned about the year-long vacancy in this crucial role, and urges listeners to sign the petition. Strong leadership is crucial in the prevention of human trafficking.


The Mekong Club is an organization that has partnered with CNN to raise awareness about human trafficking among students worldwide. This effort is encapsulated in the 'Sweatshop Challenge', an immersive educational experience providing students with a simulated understanding of forced labor conditions. Gwen lauds this creative approach: "Could you do a similar type of sweatshop challenge for your supply chain workers? For people that are out there in your corporate purchasing departments who are buying from foreign suppliers so they have a real personal understanding of what human trafficking does and how injurious it is…?"


The recently published white paper by the Mekong Club about modern slavery risks in shipping takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked logistics portion of supply chains, highlighting its susceptibility to human trafficking. 


Gwen elaborates on a recent US congressional hearing on the implementation of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and its implications on the US supply chain. It hints towards an expansion of the act, potentially encompassing electric vehicle components and eliminating the inspection exemption for shipments worth less than $800. She warns listeners, "If your supply chain touches electric vehicle production or for that matter, batteries or battery production, this could be an early warning signal that there may be additional enforcement focus coming for your supply chain."


Resources:

Follow Money Fight Slavery

Unseen UK

The Mekong Club | Modern Slavery in Shipping Supply Chains

]]> 903 no Building Transparent and Trust-Based Supply Chains with Jackson Wood It's an inconvenient truth that human trafficking and forced labor are more prevalent in global supply chains than we'd like to admit. In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan talks to Jackson Wood, an expert in global trade intelligence at Descartes, about building transparent and trust-based supply chains. With a background in law and experience in global trade compliance and risk management, Jackson shares valuable insights into the intricacies of global trade, the role of technology, and the importance of compliance and risk management in tackling these complex issues. Descartes recently published a white paper on human trafficking and forced labor in the global supply chain. Previously, Jackson says, due diligence was a matter of simply screening your third parties against a list of sanctioned entities. "The due diligence burden now falls on you as a compliance professional and by extension, your organization, to do everything you can to determine whether forced labor is involved in the production of these particular products," Jackson states. Companies must rely on their own ingenuity and skills, as well as partnerships with specialized organizations like Descartes, to address these risks. There is great potential for technology to enable companies to efficiently assess and mitigate forced labor risks in their supply chains. Jackson and Gwen discuss the increasing importance of trade compliance in addressing forced labor and human rights issues within global supply chains. With the introduction of the German Supply Chain Act and the proposed European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, companies are required to conduct broad human rights due diligence throughout their supply chains. Trade compliance offers a natural starting point for companies to address these issues, as it provides a framework for understanding and implementing the necessary measures. Compliance teams possess strong research and analytic skills, as well as experience in managing stakeholders and navigating government regulations, making them well-suited for tackling human rights issues. There has also been a growing focus on ESG and corporate social responsibility. In recent years, trade compliance teams have gained more attention from executive leadership, particularly during the Russia-Ukraine conflict when these teams were instrumental in protecting organizations from risk exposure. As such, trade compliance professionals are increasingly being tasked with forced labor due diligence and broader supply chain mapping projects. As companies look to build more sustainable and transparent supply chains, the role of trade compliance will continue to expand. It’s important to create trust-based supply chains that prioritize not only cost and speed but also social and environmental impact. Jackson and Gwen encourage companies to start asking questions and having conversations with their partners about human trafficking and forced labor. By fostering greater transparency and collaboration within supply chains, companies can work towards creating a more sustainable future and addressing pressing global challenges such as forced labor and human rights abuses. Resources: Jackson Wood via Email Descartes.com | VisualCompliance.com Thu, 11 May 2023 04:01:00 -0000 full 35 Gwen Hassan In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan talks to Jackson Wood, an expert in global trade intelligence at Descartes, about building transparent and trust-based supply chains. It's an inconvenient truth that human trafficking and forced labor are more prevalent in global supply chains than we'd like to admit. In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan talks to Jackson Wood, an expert in global trade intelligence at Descartes, about building transparent and trust-based supply chains. With a background in law and experience in global trade compliance and risk management, Jackson shares valuable insights into the intricacies of global trade, the role of technology, and the importance of compliance and risk management in tackling these complex issues. Descartes recently published a white paper on human trafficking and forced labor in the global supply chain. Previously, Jackson says, due diligence was a matter of simply screening your third parties against a list of sanctioned entities. "The due diligence burden now falls on you as a compliance professional and by extension, your organization, to do everything you can to determine whether forced labor is involved in the production of these particular products," Jackson states. Companies must rely on their own ingenuity and skills, as well as partnerships with specialized organizations like Descartes, to address these risks. There is great potential for technology to enable companies to efficiently assess and mitigate forced labor risks in their supply chains. Jackson and Gwen discuss the increasing importance of trade compliance in addressing forced labor and human rights issues within global supply chains. With the introduction of the German Supply Chain Act and the proposed European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, companies are required to conduct broad human rights due diligence throughout their supply chains. Trade compliance offers a natural starting point for companies to address these issues, as it provides a framework for understanding and implementing the necessary measures. Compliance teams possess strong research and analytic skills, as well as experience in managing stakeholders and navigating government regulations, making them well-suited for tackling human rights issues. There has also been a growing focus on ESG and corporate social responsibility. In recent years, trade compliance teams have gained more attention from executive leadership, particularly during the Russia-Ukraine conflict when these teams were instrumental in protecting organizations from risk exposure. As such, trade compliance professionals are increasingly being tasked with forced labor due diligence and broader supply chain mapping projects. As companies look to build more sustainable and transparent supply chains, the role of trade compliance will continue to expand. It’s important to create trust-based supply chains that prioritize not only cost and speed but also social and environmental impact. Jackson and Gwen encourage companies to start asking questions and having conversations with their partners about human trafficking and forced labor. By fostering greater transparency and collaboration within supply chains, companies can work towards creating a more sustainable future and addressing pressing global challenges such as forced labor and human rights abuses. Resources: Jackson Wood via Email Descartes.com | VisualCompliance.com It's an inconvenient truth that human trafficking and forced labor are more prevalent in global supply chains than we'd like to admit. In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan talks to Jackson Wood, an expert in global trade intelligence at Descartes, about building transparent and trust-based supply chains. With a background in law and experience in global trade compliance and risk management, Jackson shares valuable insights into the intricacies of global trade, the role of technology, and the importance of compliance and risk management in tackling these complex issues.

Descartes recently published a white paper on human trafficking and forced labor in the global supply chain. Previously, Jackson says, due diligence was a matter of simply screening your third parties against a list of sanctioned entities. "The due diligence burden now falls on you as a compliance professional and by extension, your organization, to do everything you can to determine whether forced labor is involved in the production of these particular products," Jackson states. Companies must rely on their own ingenuity and skills, as well as partnerships with specialized organizations like Descartes, to address these risks.

There is great potential for technology to enable companies to efficiently assess and mitigate forced labor risks in their supply chains.

Jackson and Gwen discuss the increasing importance of trade compliance in addressing forced labor and human rights issues within global supply chains. With the introduction of the German Supply Chain Act and the proposed European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, companies are required to conduct broad human rights due diligence throughout their supply chains. Trade compliance offers a natural starting point for companies to address these issues, as it provides a framework for understanding and implementing the necessary measures. Compliance teams possess strong research and analytic skills, as well as experience in managing stakeholders and navigating government regulations, making them well-suited for tackling human rights issues.

There has also been a growing focus on ESG and corporate social responsibility. In recent years, trade compliance teams have gained more attention from executive leadership, particularly during the Russia-Ukraine conflict when these teams were instrumental in protecting organizations from risk exposure. As such, trade compliance professionals are increasingly being tasked with forced labor due diligence and broader supply chain mapping projects. As companies look to build more sustainable and transparent supply chains, the role of trade compliance will continue to expand.

It’s important to create trust-based supply chains that prioritize not only cost and speed but also social and environmental impact. Jackson and Gwen encourage companies to start asking questions and having conversations with their partners about human trafficking and forced labor. By fostering greater transparency and collaboration within supply chains, companies can work towards creating a more sustainable future and addressing pressing global challenges such as forced labor and human rights abuses.


Resources:

Jackson Wood via Email

Descartes.com | VisualCompliance.com

]]> 1720 no Four Actions Corporations Could Do to Help End Modern Slavery, with Andrey Sawchenko Human trafficking is a choice made by those in power to commodify and take away the choices of others, but protection for victims and vulnerable communities is possible. This is the core message of Andrey Sawchenko, Regional Vice President of Forced Labor Programs, Asia Pacific for International Justice Mission (IJM). On this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Andrey talks with host Gwen Hassan about his passion for creating a better reality for exploited and marginalized individuals and how he found an outlet to achieve this goal through his work with International Justice Mission. The organization focuses on preventing human trafficking, including forced labor, by working with governments to enact and especially implement laws that work for rights holders and survivors. Andrey and Gwen discuss how businesses can help rid their supply chains of forced labor and join the fight against modern slavery.   Consistent enforcement of anti-forced labor laws is crucial in combating human trafficking. This can drive down rates of labor trafficking across sectors and supply chains. This approach is effective because it introduces a real threat of punishment or penalties and focuses on places where trafficking crimes occur at the greatest scale. Empowering survivors and building systems capacity through training and strengthening policy are also crucial. Survivors of human trafficking need a safe and enabling environment to support and rebuild their lives.   Andrey suggests four actions that corporations could do to help end modern slavery. First, start from the perspective of workers when understanding the issue and when assessing the risk in corporations’ supply chains. This involves mapping out their supply chains and identifying the areas where the risk of forced labor is high. Businesses can advocate with the government in the high-risk areas of their supply chain to enforce worker protection laws. Second, support organizations like International Justice Mission who are working with and advocating for the most vulnerable workers to help amplify their voice and supporting the work of lawyers, investigators, and social workers to provide trauma-informed care for victims of forced labor, seek justice and recover from their experiences. Third, enable accessibility of communication channels for workers to raise their voice and report safely when they are mistreated. These may include internal, third-party, and government channels. Fourth and equally important, establish a code of conduct that define and align with human rights standards. This means setting clear and ethical standards for labor practices and aligning purchasing decisions with these standards. Andrey points out that International Justice Mission has partnered with Walmart.org, Target, Westpac, Meta, Seafood Task Force, and Responsible Business Alliance’s Responsible Labor Initiative, among others. Listen to this episode to learn more.   Resources Andrey Sawchenko on LinkedIn International Justice Mission Walmart.org   The Seafood Task Force Responsible Business Alliance Responsible Labor Initiative   Sat, 22 Apr 2023 14:00:00 -0000 full 34 Gwen Hassan On this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Andrey talks with host Gwen Hassan about his passion for creating a better reality for exploited and marginalized individuals, and how he found an outlet to achieve this goal through his work with International Justice Mission. Human trafficking is a choice made by those in power to commodify and take away the choices of others, but protection for victims and vulnerable communities is possible. This is the core message of Andrey Sawchenko, Regional Vice President of Forced Labor Programs, Asia Pacific for International Justice Mission (IJM). On this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Andrey talks with host Gwen Hassan about his passion for creating a better reality for exploited and marginalized individuals and how he found an outlet to achieve this goal through his work with International Justice Mission. The organization focuses on preventing human trafficking, including forced labor, by working with governments to enact and especially implement laws that work for rights holders and survivors. Andrey and Gwen discuss how businesses can help rid their supply chains of forced labor and join the fight against modern slavery.   Consistent enforcement of anti-forced labor laws is crucial in combating human trafficking. This can drive down rates of labor trafficking across sectors and supply chains. This approach is effective because it introduces a real threat of punishment or penalties and focuses on places where trafficking crimes occur at the greatest scale. Empowering survivors and building systems capacity through training and strengthening policy are also crucial. Survivors of human trafficking need a safe and enabling environment to support and rebuild their lives.   Andrey suggests four actions that corporations could do to help end modern slavery. First, start from the perspective of workers when understanding the issue and when assessing the risk in corporations’ supply chains. This involves mapping out their supply chains and identifying the areas where the risk of forced labor is high. Businesses can advocate with the government in the high-risk areas of their supply chain to enforce worker protection laws. Second, support organizations like International Justice Mission who are working with and advocating for the most vulnerable workers to help amplify their voice and supporting the work of lawyers, investigators, and social workers to provide trauma-informed care for victims of forced labor, seek justice and recover from their experiences. Third, enable accessibility of communication channels for workers to raise their voice and report safely when they are mistreated. These may include internal, third-party, and government channels. Fourth and equally important, establish a code of conduct that define and align with human rights standards. This means setting clear and ethical standards for labor practices and aligning purchasing decisions with these standards. Andrey points out that International Justice Mission has partnered with Walmart.org, Target, Westpac, Meta, Seafood Task Force, and Responsible Business Alliance’s Responsible Labor Initiative, among others. Listen to this episode to learn more.   Resources Andrey Sawchenko on LinkedIn International Justice Mission Walmart.org   The Seafood Task Force Responsible Business Alliance Responsible Labor Initiative   Human trafficking is a choice made by those in power to commodify and take away the choices of others, but protection for victims and vulnerable communities is possible. This is the core message of Andrey Sawchenko, Regional Vice President of Forced Labor Programs, Asia Pacific for International Justice Mission (IJM). On this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Andrey talks with host Gwen Hassan about his passion for creating a better reality for exploited and marginalized individuals and how he found an outlet to achieve this goal through his work with International Justice Mission. The organization focuses on preventing human trafficking, including forced labor, by working with governments to enact and especially implement laws that work for rights holders and survivors. Andrey and Gwen discuss how businesses can help rid their supply chains of forced labor and join the fight against modern slavery.

 

Consistent enforcement of anti-forced labor laws is crucial in combating human trafficking. This can drive down rates of labor trafficking across sectors and supply chains. This approach is effective because it introduces a real threat of punishment or penalties and focuses on places where trafficking crimes occur at the greatest scale. Empowering survivors and building systems capacity through training and strengthening policy are also crucial. Survivors of human trafficking need a safe and enabling environment to support and rebuild their lives.

 

Andrey suggests four actions that corporations could do to help end modern slavery. First, start from the perspective of workers when understanding the issue and when assessing the risk in corporations’ supply chains. This involves mapping out their supply chains and identifying the areas where the risk of forced labor is high. Businesses can advocate with the government in the high-risk areas of their supply chain to enforce worker protection laws. Second, support organizations like International Justice Mission who are working with and advocating for the most vulnerable workers to help amplify their voice and supporting the work of lawyers, investigators, and social workers to provide trauma-informed care for victims of forced labor, seek justice and recover from their experiences. Third, enable accessibility of communication channels for workers to raise their voice and report safely when they are mistreated. These may include internal, third-party, and government channels. Fourth and equally important, establish a code of conduct that define and align with human rights standards. This means setting clear and ethical standards for labor practices and aligning purchasing decisions with these standards.

Andrey points out that International Justice Mission has partnered with Walmart.org, Target, Westpac, Meta, Seafood Task Force, and Responsible Business Alliance’s Responsible Labor Initiative, among others. Listen to this episode to learn more.

 

Resources

Andrey Sawchenko on LinkedIn

International Justice Mission

Walmart.org  

The Seafood Task Force

Responsible Business Alliance Responsible Labor Initiative

 

]]> 1870 no Updates, News and Resources In this episode of Hidden Traffic, Gwen Hassan updates listeners on news and resources related to human trafficking. Here are some of the topics she covers: Congratulations to Source Map for being named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list for their work in clean supply chain and mapping.  Mekong Club’s recent publication of ‘Eight Tips for Brands to Prepare for Germany's New Due Diligence Act’. Gwen encourages companies doing business in Germany to read the tips, which provide practical steps for compliance.  Recent changes to the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS), including their new toolkit, which was developed in partnership with the National Survivor Network. The toolkit “provides practical tools for organizations to become more inclusive of human trafficking and modern slavery survivors in their approaches,” Gwen remarks. A recent New York Times article entitled ‘Alone and Exploited’ highlights the prevalence of child labor in the US. The article discusses cases of child workers as young as 12 years old working in subcontractors of major companies such as Walmart and Target.  Gwen discusses a new law in Arkansas that makes it easier for employers to employ children. She expresses concern about the potential for this law to exacerbate the problem of child labor and human trafficking in the US. She urges listeners to be aware of the issue and to support efforts to combat it. “Bottom line,” Gwen points out, “is the prevalence of modern slavery and human trafficking within the United States continues to be even more serious and large than we believed originally…” Resources: Source Map Fast Company - Most Innovative Companies Mekong Club - Eight Tips for Brands to Prepare for Germany's New Due Diligence Act Global Fund to End Modern Slavery National Survivor Network  Meaningful Engagement of People With Lived Experience toolkit New York Times - Alone and Exploited Thu, 30 Mar 2023 04:01:00 -0000 full 33 Gwen Hassan In this episode of Hidden Traffic, Gwen Hassan updates listeners on news and resources related to human trafficking. In this episode of Hidden Traffic, Gwen Hassan updates listeners on news and resources related to human trafficking. Here are some of the topics she covers: Congratulations to Source Map for being named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list for their work in clean supply chain and mapping.  Mekong Club’s recent publication of ‘Eight Tips for Brands to Prepare for Germany's New Due Diligence Act’. Gwen encourages companies doing business in Germany to read the tips, which provide practical steps for compliance.  Recent changes to the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS), including their new toolkit, which was developed in partnership with the National Survivor Network. The toolkit “provides practical tools for organizations to become more inclusive of human trafficking and modern slavery survivors in their approaches,” Gwen remarks. A recent New York Times article entitled ‘Alone and Exploited’ highlights the prevalence of child labor in the US. The article discusses cases of child workers as young as 12 years old working in subcontractors of major companies such as Walmart and Target.  Gwen discusses a new law in Arkansas that makes it easier for employers to employ children. She expresses concern about the potential for this law to exacerbate the problem of child labor and human trafficking in the US. She urges listeners to be aware of the issue and to support efforts to combat it. “Bottom line,” Gwen points out, “is the prevalence of modern slavery and human trafficking within the United States continues to be even more serious and large than we believed originally…” Resources: Source Map Fast Company - Most Innovative Companies Mekong Club - Eight Tips for Brands to Prepare for Germany's New Due Diligence Act Global Fund to End Modern Slavery National Survivor Network  Meaningful Engagement of People With Lived Experience toolkit New York Times - Alone and Exploited In this episode of Hidden Traffic, Gwen Hassan updates listeners on news and resources related to human trafficking. Here are some of the topics she covers:


  • Congratulations to Source Map for being named to Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list for their work in clean supply chain and mapping. 
  • Mekong Club’s recent publication of ‘Eight Tips for Brands to Prepare for Germany's New Due Diligence Act’. Gwen encourages companies doing business in Germany to read the tips, which provide practical steps for compliance. 
  • Recent changes to the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS), including their new toolkit, which was developed in partnership with the National Survivor Network. The toolkit “provides practical tools for organizations to become more inclusive of human trafficking and modern slavery survivors in their approaches,” Gwen remarks.
  • A recent New York Times article entitled ‘Alone and Exploited’ highlights the prevalence of child labor in the US. The article discusses cases of child workers as young as 12 years old working in subcontractors of major companies such as Walmart and Target. 
  • Gwen discusses a new law in Arkansas that makes it easier for employers to employ children. She expresses concern about the potential for this law to exacerbate the problem of child labor and human trafficking in the US. She urges listeners to be aware of the issue and to support efforts to combat it.
  • “Bottom line,” Gwen points out, “is the prevalence of modern slavery and human trafficking within the United States continues to be even more serious and large than we believed originally…”


Resources:

Source Map

Fast Company - Most Innovative Companies

Mekong Club - Eight Tips for Brands to Prepare for Germany's New Due Diligence Act

Global Fund to End Modern Slavery

National Survivor Network 

Meaningful Engagement of People With Lived Experience toolkit

New York Times - Alone and Exploited

]]> 921 no The Use of Data Analytics in the Fight Against Forced Labor and Human Trafficking with Kit Conklin In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan interviews Kit Conklin, Vice President at Kharon, and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. Kharon is a company that provides research and data analytics on global security threats, sanctions, and other financial risks. Kit and Gwen discuss the role of data analytics in addressing forced labor issues. They emphasize that traditional methods of identifying forced labor, such as audits and inspections, have limitations and may not be effective in detecting all instances of forced labor. In contrast, data analytics can help companies to identify patterns and indicators of forced labor, such as unusual labor practices and supplier relationships. Data analytics can help companies to better manage risks related to forced labor. By analyzing data on suppliers, transactions, and other relevant factors, companies can identify high-risk areas and take preventive measures. The use of predictive analytics can also help companies to anticipate and prevent instances of forced labor before they occur. Collaboration between companies, governments, and other stakeholders is crucial in addressing forced labor issues. Data sharing and cooperation can help to identify and address systemic issues related to forced labor. Additionally, regulatory frameworks and industry standards can provide guidance and incentives for companies to address forced labor risks. Kit highlights the challenges of implementing effective data analytics programs. Companies may face technical, organizational, and cultural barriers in adopting data analytics tools and integrating data from multiple sources. Ensuring data privacy and security is also crucial to build trust and confidence in data analytics programs. Overall, data analytics can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainability and ethical business practices. By using data analytics to identify and address forced labor risks, companies can contribute to a more responsible and sustainable global supply chain. Additionally, data analytics can help to track progress and measure the impact of efforts to address forced labor, providing a basis for continuous improvement. Resources Kit Conklin on LinkedIn | Email | Atlantic Council  Kharon Thu, 16 Mar 2023 04:01:00 -0000 full 32 Gwen Hassan Gwen Hassan and guest, Kit Conklin, discuss the role of data analytics in addressing forced labor issues. In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan interviews Kit Conklin, Vice President at Kharon, and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. Kharon is a company that provides research and data analytics on global security threats, sanctions, and other financial risks. Kit and Gwen discuss the role of data analytics in addressing forced labor issues. They emphasize that traditional methods of identifying forced labor, such as audits and inspections, have limitations and may not be effective in detecting all instances of forced labor. In contrast, data analytics can help companies to identify patterns and indicators of forced labor, such as unusual labor practices and supplier relationships. Data analytics can help companies to better manage risks related to forced labor. By analyzing data on suppliers, transactions, and other relevant factors, companies can identify high-risk areas and take preventive measures. The use of predictive analytics can also help companies to anticipate and prevent instances of forced labor before they occur. Collaboration between companies, governments, and other stakeholders is crucial in addressing forced labor issues. Data sharing and cooperation can help to identify and address systemic issues related to forced labor. Additionally, regulatory frameworks and industry standards can provide guidance and incentives for companies to address forced labor risks. Kit highlights the challenges of implementing effective data analytics programs. Companies may face technical, organizational, and cultural barriers in adopting data analytics tools and integrating data from multiple sources. Ensuring data privacy and security is also crucial to build trust and confidence in data analytics programs. Overall, data analytics can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainability and ethical business practices. By using data analytics to identify and address forced labor risks, companies can contribute to a more responsible and sustainable global supply chain. Additionally, data analytics can help to track progress and measure the impact of efforts to address forced labor, providing a basis for continuous improvement. Resources Kit Conklin on LinkedIn | Email | Atlantic Council  Kharon In this episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, Gwen Hassan interviews Kit Conklin, Vice President at Kharon, and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. Kharon is a company that provides research and data analytics on global security threats, sanctions, and other financial risks. Kit and Gwen discuss the role of data analytics in addressing forced labor issues. They emphasize that traditional methods of identifying forced labor, such as audits and inspections, have limitations and may not be effective in detecting all instances of forced labor. In contrast, data analytics can help companies to identify patterns and indicators of forced labor, such as unusual labor practices and supplier relationships.


Data analytics can help companies to better manage risks related to forced labor. By analyzing data on suppliers, transactions, and other relevant factors, companies can identify high-risk areas and take preventive measures. The use of predictive analytics can also help companies to anticipate and prevent instances of forced labor before they occur. Collaboration between companies, governments, and other stakeholders is crucial in addressing forced labor issues. Data sharing and cooperation can help to identify and address systemic issues related to forced labor. Additionally, regulatory frameworks and industry standards can provide guidance and incentives for companies to address forced labor risks.


Kit highlights the challenges of implementing effective data analytics programs. Companies may face technical, organizational, and cultural barriers in adopting data analytics tools and integrating data from multiple sources. Ensuring data privacy and security is also crucial to build trust and confidence in data analytics programs. Overall, data analytics can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainability and ethical business practices. By using data analytics to identify and address forced labor risks, companies can contribute to a more responsible and sustainable global supply chain. Additionally, data analytics can help to track progress and measure the impact of efforts to address forced labor, providing a basis for continuous improvement.


Resources

Kit Conklin on LinkedIn | Email | Atlantic Council 

Kharon

]]> 1168 no We Need a Table, Not a Stool - The Four "Legs" of Human Trafficking Prevention with Kristen Abrams from the McCain Institute Kristen Abrams is the Director of the Human Trafficking Initiative at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University. She is an experienced prosecutor who has worked to combat human trafficking both in the United States and internationally. At the McCain Institute, Kristen leads efforts to prevent human trafficking by partnering with organizations, governments, and individuals to develop innovative and effective strategies. She is a sought-after speaker and has appeared on numerous panels and podcasts to discuss this important issue. In this episode, host Gwen Hassan and Kristen talk about the four key areas that need to be addressed to combat human trafficking effectively: legislative and policy frameworks, law enforcement and prosecution, engagement with the private sector, and survivor leadership. Kristen provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within each area, drawing from her experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and prosecutors from around the world. All four areas need to work together in a coordinated effort to tackle the complex issue of human trafficking. Kristen discusses the current state of human trafficking, noting that despite increased efforts to combat it, the number of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions has decreased. She suggests that the best way to fight human trafficking is through a multifaceted approach involving four "legs" of prevention: enforcement, policy and legislation, private sector engagement, and survivor leadership. The first leg of prevention is enforcement, which involves specialized human trafficking prosecutors working in criminal justice systems around the world to prosecute offenders. The Global Prosecutors Consortium is a group of prosecutors from 18 different countries who met recently to discuss the challenges they face and to build a network of specialized prosecutors who can learn from each other and share best practices. Kristen stresses that it is important to keep the individual victim at the center of the work. The second leg of prevention is policy and legislation, which involves enacting laws to prevent human trafficking and to punish those who engage in it. Kristen cites the Uighur Forced Labor Act and proposed legislation in Europe that would prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering major economies as examples of promising efforts. The third leg of prevention is private sector engagement, which involves engaging companies and institutional investors to assess their supply chains and ensure that their products are not produced with forced labor. Kristen notes that consumer demand and regulatory and investor pressure are key drivers of this engagement. Finally, the fourth leg of prevention is survivor leadership, which involves empowering survivors of human trafficking to lead the fight against it. Kristen remarks that survivor leadership is often overlooked and that it is important to include survivors in all aspects of prevention efforts. Overall, a multifaceted approach to preventing human trafficking is necessary, which Kristen likens to a table with four legs rather than a stool with two legs. Each leg of the table is necessary to support the other legs, and without all four legs, the table cannot stand. By involving specialized prosecutors, enacting legislation, engaging the private sector, and empowering survivors, it is possible to make progress in the fight against human trafficking. Resources Kristen Abrams on LinkedIn | Twitter | Email McCain Institute For International Leadership Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:01:00 -0000 full 31 Gwen Hassan Gwen Hassan and Kristen Abrams talk about the four key areas that need to be addressed to combat human trafficking effectively: legislative and policy frameworks, law enforcement and prosecution, engagement with the private sector, and survivor leadership. Kristen Abrams is the Director of the Human Trafficking Initiative at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University. She is an experienced prosecutor who has worked to combat human trafficking both in the United States and internationally. At the McCain Institute, Kristen leads efforts to prevent human trafficking by partnering with organizations, governments, and individuals to develop innovative and effective strategies. She is a sought-after speaker and has appeared on numerous panels and podcasts to discuss this important issue. In this episode, host Gwen Hassan and Kristen talk about the four key areas that need to be addressed to combat human trafficking effectively: legislative and policy frameworks, law enforcement and prosecution, engagement with the private sector, and survivor leadership. Kristen provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within each area, drawing from her experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and prosecutors from around the world. All four areas need to work together in a coordinated effort to tackle the complex issue of human trafficking. Kristen discusses the current state of human trafficking, noting that despite increased efforts to combat it, the number of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions has decreased. She suggests that the best way to fight human trafficking is through a multifaceted approach involving four "legs" of prevention: enforcement, policy and legislation, private sector engagement, and survivor leadership. The first leg of prevention is enforcement, which involves specialized human trafficking prosecutors working in criminal justice systems around the world to prosecute offenders. The Global Prosecutors Consortium is a group of prosecutors from 18 different countries who met recently to discuss the challenges they face and to build a network of specialized prosecutors who can learn from each other and share best practices. Kristen stresses that it is important to keep the individual victim at the center of the work. The second leg of prevention is policy and legislation, which involves enacting laws to prevent human trafficking and to punish those who engage in it. Kristen cites the Uighur Forced Labor Act and proposed legislation in Europe that would prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering major economies as examples of promising efforts. The third leg of prevention is private sector engagement, which involves engaging companies and institutional investors to assess their supply chains and ensure that their products are not produced with forced labor. Kristen notes that consumer demand and regulatory and investor pressure are key drivers of this engagement. Finally, the fourth leg of prevention is survivor leadership, which involves empowering survivors of human trafficking to lead the fight against it. Kristen remarks that survivor leadership is often overlooked and that it is important to include survivors in all aspects of prevention efforts. Overall, a multifaceted approach to preventing human trafficking is necessary, which Kristen likens to a table with four legs rather than a stool with two legs. Each leg of the table is necessary to support the other legs, and without all four legs, the table cannot stand. By involving specialized prosecutors, enacting legislation, engaging the private sector, and empowering survivors, it is possible to make progress in the fight against human trafficking. Resources Kristen Abrams on LinkedIn | Twitter | Email McCain Institute For International Leadership Kristen Abrams is the Director of the Human Trafficking Initiative at the McCain Institute for International Leadership at Arizona State University. She is an experienced prosecutor who has worked to combat human trafficking both in the United States and internationally. At the McCain Institute, Kristen leads efforts to prevent human trafficking by partnering with organizations, governments, and individuals to develop innovative and effective strategies. She is a sought-after speaker and has appeared on numerous panels and podcasts to discuss this important issue.


In this episode, host Gwen Hassan and Kristen talk about the four key areas that need to be addressed to combat human trafficking effectively: legislative and policy frameworks, law enforcement and prosecution, engagement with the private sector, and survivor leadership. Kristen provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within each area, drawing from her experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and prosecutors from around the world. All four areas need to work together in a coordinated effort to tackle the complex issue of human trafficking.


Kristen discusses the current state of human trafficking, noting that despite increased efforts to combat it, the number of investigations, prosecutions, and convictions has decreased. She suggests that the best way to fight human trafficking is through a multifaceted approach involving four "legs" of prevention: enforcement, policy and legislation, private sector engagement, and survivor leadership.


The first leg of prevention is enforcement, which involves specialized human trafficking prosecutors working in criminal justice systems around the world to prosecute offenders. The Global Prosecutors Consortium is a group of prosecutors from 18 different countries who met recently to discuss the challenges they face and to build a network of specialized prosecutors who can learn from each other and share best practices. Kristen stresses that it is important to keep the individual victim at the center of the work.


The second leg of prevention is policy and legislation, which involves enacting laws to prevent human trafficking and to punish those who engage in it. Kristen cites the Uighur Forced Labor Act and proposed legislation in Europe that would prevent goods produced with forced labor from entering major economies as examples of promising efforts.


The third leg of prevention is private sector engagement, which involves engaging companies and institutional investors to assess their supply chains and ensure that their products are not produced with forced labor. Kristen notes that consumer demand and regulatory and investor pressure are key drivers of this engagement.


Finally, the fourth leg of prevention is survivor leadership, which involves empowering survivors of human trafficking to lead the fight against it. Kristen remarks that survivor leadership is often overlooked and that it is important to include survivors in all aspects of prevention efforts.


Overall, a multifaceted approach to preventing human trafficking is necessary, which Kristen likens to a table with four legs rather than a stool with two legs. Each leg of the table is necessary to support the other legs, and without all four legs, the table cannot stand. By involving specialized prosecutors, enacting legislation, engaging the private sector, and empowering survivors, it is possible to make progress in the fight against human trafficking.


Resources

Kristen Abrams on LinkedIn | Twitter | Email

McCain Institute For International Leadership


]]> 1065 no EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive Update In this solo episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan dives into the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) adopted by the European Council, which replaces the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD). The CSRD requires companies, both public and private, to report on a wide range of sustainability-related topics, including human rights, anti-corruption, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, and environmental protection. Gwen will explain the impact of this directive on businesses and provide valuable insights into what companies can do to meet its requirements.  The CSRD directive aims to increase disclosure requirements for companies and prevent greenwashing. It will also require subsidiary level reporting and auditable information about supply chain, due diligence and human trafficking prevention. The CSRD applies to a larger number of public and private companies and will increase cost. Companies should start preparing as soon as possible to meet the requirements. The CSRD requires companies to report on a wide range of sustainability-related topics - including human rights, anti-corruption, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, and environmental protection - and provide information about their strategy, targets, governance policies, incentives and risks. The European Commission will adopt standards for reporting under the CSRD by June of next year. The directive will become effective on January 1, 2026, with a 2028 opt-out date for small and micro entities. Large entities and their parents will have to comply immediately. The recent development of the Forced Labor Protection Act in Africa highlights the issue of outsourcing services to low-cost countries and the potential liability companies can face for labor violations and human trafficking in their supply chain. A former content moderator in Kenya filed a lawsuit against both the outsourcing company he worked for and Meta, a social media giant, alleging that he was subjected to viewing graphic and violent material that caused him post-traumatic stress disorder. The court ruled that the case against Meta can move forward, highlighting the need for companies to take responsibility for practices in their supply chain, even if they were not aware of them. This could result in a strict liability standard for many types of companies. Resources Gwen Hassan on LinkedIn Thu, 16 Feb 2023 05:01:00 -0000 full 30 Gwen Hassan In this solo episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan dives into the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) adopted by the European Council, which replaces the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD). In this solo episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan dives into the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) adopted by the European Council, which replaces the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD). The CSRD requires companies, both public and private, to report on a wide range of sustainability-related topics, including human rights, anti-corruption, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, and environmental protection. Gwen will explain the impact of this directive on businesses and provide valuable insights into what companies can do to meet its requirements.  The CSRD directive aims to increase disclosure requirements for companies and prevent greenwashing. It will also require subsidiary level reporting and auditable information about supply chain, due diligence and human trafficking prevention. The CSRD applies to a larger number of public and private companies and will increase cost. Companies should start preparing as soon as possible to meet the requirements. The CSRD requires companies to report on a wide range of sustainability-related topics - including human rights, anti-corruption, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, and environmental protection - and provide information about their strategy, targets, governance policies, incentives and risks. The European Commission will adopt standards for reporting under the CSRD by June of next year. The directive will become effective on January 1, 2026, with a 2028 opt-out date for small and micro entities. Large entities and their parents will have to comply immediately. The recent development of the Forced Labor Protection Act in Africa highlights the issue of outsourcing services to low-cost countries and the potential liability companies can face for labor violations and human trafficking in their supply chain. A former content moderator in Kenya filed a lawsuit against both the outsourcing company he worked for and Meta, a social media giant, alleging that he was subjected to viewing graphic and violent material that caused him post-traumatic stress disorder. The court ruled that the case against Meta can move forward, highlighting the need for companies to take responsibility for practices in their supply chain, even if they were not aware of them. This could result in a strict liability standard for many types of companies. Resources Gwen Hassan on LinkedIn In this solo episode of Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan dives into the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) adopted by the European Council, which replaces the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD). The CSRD requires companies, both public and private, to report on a wide range of sustainability-related topics, including human rights, anti-corruption, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, and environmental protection. Gwen will explain the impact of this directive on businesses and provide valuable insights into what companies can do to meet its requirements. 


The CSRD directive aims to increase disclosure requirements for companies and prevent greenwashing. It will also require subsidiary level reporting and auditable information about supply chain, due diligence and human trafficking prevention. The CSRD applies to a larger number of public and private companies and will increase cost. Companies should start preparing as soon as possible to meet the requirements.


The CSRD requires companies to report on a wide range of sustainability-related topics - including human rights, anti-corruption, modern slavery and human trafficking prevention, and environmental protection - and provide information about their strategy, targets, governance policies, incentives and risks. The European Commission will adopt standards for reporting under the CSRD by June of next year. The directive will become effective on January 1, 2026, with a 2028 opt-out date for small and micro entities. Large entities and their parents will have to comply immediately.


The recent development of the Forced Labor Protection Act in Africa highlights the issue of outsourcing services to low-cost countries and the potential liability companies can face for labor violations and human trafficking in their supply chain. A former content moderator in Kenya filed a lawsuit against both the outsourcing company he worked for and Meta, a social media giant, alleging that he was subjected to viewing graphic and violent material that caused him post-traumatic stress disorder. The court ruled that the case against Meta can move forward, highlighting the need for companies to take responsibility for practices in their supply chain, even if they were not aware of them. This could result in a strict liability standard for many types of companies.


Resources

Gwen Hassan on LinkedIn

]]> 1421 no Japanese Human Rights Due Diligence Guidance with Ben Fouracre Gwen Hassan welcomes Ben Fouracre, Managing Director and Global Investigations Lead for Asia Pacific and Japan at J.S. Held LLC. Ben has spent 16 years in Japan working with non-Japanese, non-Asian companies to help them develop and execute their compliance strategy. He is an expert in risk, supply chain, labor and environmental issues, as well as anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-money laundering, with a focus on human trafficking.   The biggest focus in Asia has been foreign regulation, such as the FCPA. Many Japanese companies have fallen afoul of these regulations, which has led to the development of compliance departments and training. Companies in the region are now also increasingly focusing on sustainability and the social side of ESG. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been pushing for companies to have their own ESG strategy, goals and internal evaluation, and to focus on human rights and foreign policy. The Japanese government conducted a survey that revealed one in five companies in Japan don't have guidelines or safeguards related to human rights protection in their supply chains. However, there are some good examples of Japanese companies that are ahead of the curve. The Japanese government issued human rights due diligence guidelines, but there is still a need for proactive measures to be taken to ensure companies are doing what they say. Although there is no definitive timeline or law in Japan, companies are responding to pressure from stakeholders such as investors, shareholders, customers, and employees to work towards sustainability. Ben believes that companies must be seen as contributors, not profiteers off environmental and social harm. As such, policies and procedures must be implemented and evolve with the business. In particular, companies need to take a proactive approach to supplier risk profiling. This includes understanding the size, operations, and history of the supplier, their relationship with the company, and any potential risks the company may face from stakeholders when it comes to human rights issues such as child labor and forced labor. NGOs have been actively raising awareness of issues related to sustainability and social responsibility, Ben points out. To ensure transparency and ethical and socially viable practices, companies should strive to engage in dialogue with NGOs. This allows them to better understand the issues and look for solutions. Resources Ben Fouracre on LinkedIn | Email  J.S. Held LLC Thu, 02 Feb 2023 05:01:00 -0000 full 29 Gwen Hassan Gwen Hassan welcomes Ben Fouracre, Managing Director and Global Investigations Lead for Asia Pacific and Japan at J.S. Held LLC. Gwen Hassan welcomes Ben Fouracre, Managing Director and Global Investigations Lead for Asia Pacific and Japan at J.S. Held LLC. Ben has spent 16 years in Japan working with non-Japanese, non-Asian companies to help them develop and execute their compliance strategy. He is an expert in risk, supply chain, labor and environmental issues, as well as anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-money laundering, with a focus on human trafficking.   The biggest focus in Asia has been foreign regulation, such as the FCPA. Many Japanese companies have fallen afoul of these regulations, which has led to the development of compliance departments and training. Companies in the region are now also increasingly focusing on sustainability and the social side of ESG. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been pushing for companies to have their own ESG strategy, goals and internal evaluation, and to focus on human rights and foreign policy. The Japanese government conducted a survey that revealed one in five companies in Japan don't have guidelines or safeguards related to human rights protection in their supply chains. However, there are some good examples of Japanese companies that are ahead of the curve. The Japanese government issued human rights due diligence guidelines, but there is still a need for proactive measures to be taken to ensure companies are doing what they say. Although there is no definitive timeline or law in Japan, companies are responding to pressure from stakeholders such as investors, shareholders, customers, and employees to work towards sustainability. Ben believes that companies must be seen as contributors, not profiteers off environmental and social harm. As such, policies and procedures must be implemented and evolve with the business. In particular, companies need to take a proactive approach to supplier risk profiling. This includes understanding the size, operations, and history of the supplier, their relationship with the company, and any potential risks the company may face from stakeholders when it comes to human rights issues such as child labor and forced labor. NGOs have been actively raising awareness of issues related to sustainability and social responsibility, Ben points out. To ensure transparency and ethical and socially viable practices, companies should strive to engage in dialogue with NGOs. This allows them to better understand the issues and look for solutions. Resources Ben Fouracre on LinkedIn | Email  J.S. Held LLC Gwen Hassan welcomes Ben Fouracre, Managing Director and Global Investigations Lead for Asia Pacific and Japan at J.S. Held LLC. Ben has spent 16 years in Japan working with non-Japanese, non-Asian companies to help them develop and execute their compliance strategy. He is an expert in risk, supply chain, labor and environmental issues, as well as anti-corruption, anti-bribery and anti-money laundering, with a focus on human trafficking.  


The biggest focus in Asia has been foreign regulation, such as the FCPA. Many Japanese companies have fallen afoul of these regulations, which has led to the development of compliance departments and training. Companies in the region are now also increasingly focusing on sustainability and the social side of ESG. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been pushing for companies to have their own ESG strategy, goals and internal evaluation, and to focus on human rights and foreign policy.


The Japanese government conducted a survey that revealed one in five companies in Japan don't have guidelines or safeguards related to human rights protection in their supply chains. However, there are some good examples of Japanese companies that are ahead of the curve. The Japanese government issued human rights due diligence guidelines, but there is still a need for proactive measures to be taken to ensure companies are doing what they say. Although there is no definitive timeline or law in Japan, companies are responding to pressure from stakeholders such as investors, shareholders, customers, and employees to work towards sustainability.


Ben believes that companies must be seen as contributors, not profiteers off environmental and social harm. As such, policies and procedures must be implemented and evolve with the business. In particular, companies need to take a proactive approach to supplier risk profiling. This includes understanding the size, operations, and history of the supplier, their relationship with the company, and any potential risks the company may face from stakeholders when it comes to human rights issues such as child labor and forced labor.


NGOs have been actively raising awareness of issues related to sustainability and social responsibility, Ben points out. To ensure transparency and ethical and socially viable practices, companies should strive to engage in dialogue with NGOs. This allows them to better understand the issues and look for solutions.


Resources

Ben Fouracre on LinkedIn | Email 

J.S. Held LLC

]]> 1826 no Shawn Askinosie and the Chocolate Factory Shawn Askinosie is an author and the founder and CEO of Askinosie Chocolate. His book, Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul, takes readers on his journey to self-actualization and is a guide to how they can discover the secret to purposeful business. He was also named by Oprah Magazine as one of 15 Guys Who Are Saving the World, and by Forbes as one of the 25 Best Small Companies in America. Shawn joins Gwen Hassan to share how children are exploited in the cocoa beans industry and how Askinosie Chocolate mitigates their supply chain risks. Compliance professionals are often overextended and not taken care of. A compliance officer's role should not be viewed as solely to ensure compliance within a company, but also to coach and advise. The work of CSR and ESG departments should be diffused throughout the entire organization. It’s particularly important that these departments are led by lawyers, as they are in a unique position to advocate for change in a way that is credible. Askinosie Chocolate is a company that sources its cocoa beans directly from farmers, rather than through brokers like most other chocolate companies. They also pay farmers 55% more than the farmgate price and provide advanced payments to help finance the farmers' harvesting operations. This approach is called "direct trade" and is meant to create a more direct alignment between the chocolate maker and the farmer. This model also helps to mitigate issues like conflict minerals and child trafficking in the supply chain, which can occur when beans are shipped through multiple middlemen, and their origins are not transparent.  Resources Shawn Askinosie on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter  Askinosie.com Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul Thu, 19 Jan 2023 05:01:00 -0000 full 26 Gwen Hassan Shawn Askinosie, founder and CEO of Askinosie Chocolate, joins Gwen Hassan to share how children are exploited in the cocoa beans industry and how Askinosie Chocolate mitigates their supply chain risks. Shawn Askinosie is an author and the founder and CEO of Askinosie Chocolate. His book, Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul, takes readers on his journey to self-actualization and is a guide to how they can discover the secret to purposeful business. He was also named by Oprah Magazine as one of 15 Guys Who Are Saving the World, and by Forbes as one of the 25 Best Small Companies in America. Shawn joins Gwen Hassan to share how children are exploited in the cocoa beans industry and how Askinosie Chocolate mitigates their supply chain risks. Compliance professionals are often overextended and not taken care of. A compliance officer's role should not be viewed as solely to ensure compliance within a company, but also to coach and advise. The work of CSR and ESG departments should be diffused throughout the entire organization. It’s particularly important that these departments are led by lawyers, as they are in a unique position to advocate for change in a way that is credible. Askinosie Chocolate is a company that sources its cocoa beans directly from farmers, rather than through brokers like most other chocolate companies. They also pay farmers 55% more than the farmgate price and provide advanced payments to help finance the farmers' harvesting operations. This approach is called "direct trade" and is meant to create a more direct alignment between the chocolate maker and the farmer. This model also helps to mitigate issues like conflict minerals and child trafficking in the supply chain, which can occur when beans are shipped through multiple middlemen, and their origins are not transparent.  Resources Shawn Askinosie on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter  Askinosie.com Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul Shawn Askinosie is an author and the founder and CEO of Askinosie Chocolate. His book, Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul, takes readers on his journey to self-actualization and is a guide to how they can discover the secret to purposeful business. He was also named by Oprah Magazine as one of 15 Guys Who Are Saving the World, and by Forbes as one of the 25 Best Small Companies in America. Shawn joins Gwen Hassan to share how children are exploited in the cocoa beans industry and how Askinosie Chocolate mitigates their supply chain risks.


Compliance professionals are often overextended and not taken care of. A compliance officer's role should not be viewed as solely to ensure compliance within a company, but also to coach and advise. The work of CSR and ESG departments should be diffused throughout the entire organization. It’s particularly important that these departments are led by lawyers, as they are in a unique position to advocate for change in a way that is credible.


Askinosie Chocolate is a company that sources its cocoa beans directly from farmers, rather than through brokers like most other chocolate companies. They also pay farmers 55% more than the farmgate price and provide advanced payments to help finance the farmers' harvesting operations. This approach is called "direct trade" and is meant to create a more direct alignment between the chocolate maker and the farmer. This model also helps to mitigate issues like conflict minerals and child trafficking in the supply chain, which can occur when beans are shipped through multiple middlemen, and their origins are not transparent. 


Resources

Shawn Askinosie on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter 

Askinosie.com


Meaningful Work: A Quest to Do Great Business, Find Your Calling, and Feed Your Soul


]]> 2121 no 2022 in Review Hidden Traffic Podcast host Gwen Hassan reviews the year's developments in human trafficking prevention and shares what's next on the podcast. This year has seen a rise in human trafficking and climate change refugees. The United Nations International Labor Organization (ILO) reported that there are 50 million people across the world who are currently being held in some form of modern slavery. Notable news stories around human trafficking include the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act coming into play and allegations against Tesla for sourcing their cobalt from child labor. A major issue in the corporate world coined the ‘Green Push,’ is the neglect of the ‘S’ in ESG.  You can't make the world better environmentally by reducing carbon output and addressing climate change issues while also enslaving children, Gwen remarks. Resources Gwen Hassan on LinkedIn Thu, 15 Dec 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 27 Gwen Hassan Hidden Traffic Podcast host Gwen Hassan reviews the year's developments in human trafficking prevention and shares what's next on the podcast. Hidden Traffic Podcast host Gwen Hassan reviews the year's developments in human trafficking prevention and shares what's next on the podcast. This year has seen a rise in human trafficking and climate change refugees. The United Nations International Labor Organization (ILO) reported that there are 50 million people across the world who are currently being held in some form of modern slavery. Notable news stories around human trafficking include the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act coming into play and allegations against Tesla for sourcing their cobalt from child labor. A major issue in the corporate world coined the ‘Green Push,’ is the neglect of the ‘S’ in ESG.  You can't make the world better environmentally by reducing carbon output and addressing climate change issues while also enslaving children, Gwen remarks. Resources Gwen Hassan on LinkedIn Hidden Traffic Podcast host Gwen Hassan reviews the year's developments in human trafficking prevention and shares what's next on the podcast.


This year has seen a rise in human trafficking and climate change refugees. The United Nations International Labor Organization (ILO) reported that there are 50 million people across the world who are currently being held in some form of modern slavery. Notable news stories around human trafficking include the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act coming into play and allegations against Tesla for sourcing their cobalt from child labor.


A major issue in the corporate world coined the ‘Green Push,’ is the neglect of the ‘S’ in ESG.  You can't make the world better environmentally by reducing carbon output and addressing climate change issues while also enslaving children, Gwen remarks.


Resources

Gwen Hassan on LinkedIn

]]> 951 no Rock and Roll Against Human Trafficking with Noel Thomas Noel Thomas is CEO of Zero Trafficking, a data company bringing innovative data, analysis, and training solutions to the frontlines of anti-trafficking. He joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Zero Trafficking is using technology in the fight against human trafficking.  Prior to founding his company, Noel toured the world as the bass guitarist of a rock band. It was during one of these tours in 2007 that he first got exposed to the issue of human trafficking through a flyer aiming to raise awareness. It inspired him to learn more about human trafficking and join the efforts to eradicate it. Rather than manually looking for human trafficking online, Noel and the task forces he worked with thought of a better way to bring technology into the space. They quickly realized that corporations like social media platforms, banks, and even real estate developers could also benefit from this data; they could use it to up their compliance and mitigate the risks involved with human trafficking.  Resources Noel Thomas on LinkedIn Zero Trafficking Thu, 01 Dec 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 26 Gwen Hassan Noel Thomas joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Zero Trafficking is using technology in the fight against human trafficking. Noel Thomas is CEO of Zero Trafficking, a data company bringing innovative data, analysis, and training solutions to the frontlines of anti-trafficking. He joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Zero Trafficking is using technology in the fight against human trafficking.  Prior to founding his company, Noel toured the world as the bass guitarist of a rock band. It was during one of these tours in 2007 that he first got exposed to the issue of human trafficking through a flyer aiming to raise awareness. It inspired him to learn more about human trafficking and join the efforts to eradicate it. Rather than manually looking for human trafficking online, Noel and the task forces he worked with thought of a better way to bring technology into the space. They quickly realized that corporations like social media platforms, banks, and even real estate developers could also benefit from this data; they could use it to up their compliance and mitigate the risks involved with human trafficking.  Resources Noel Thomas on LinkedIn Zero Trafficking Noel Thomas is CEO of Zero Trafficking, a data company bringing innovative data, analysis, and training solutions to the frontlines of anti-trafficking. He joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Zero Trafficking is using technology in the fight against human trafficking. 


Prior to founding his company, Noel toured the world as the bass guitarist of a rock band. It was during one of these tours in 2007 that he first got exposed to the issue of human trafficking through a flyer aiming to raise awareness. It inspired him to learn more about human trafficking and join the efforts to eradicate it.


Rather than manually looking for human trafficking online, Noel and the task forces he worked with thought of a better way to bring technology into the space. They quickly realized that corporations like social media platforms, banks, and even real estate developers could also benefit from this data; they could use it to up their compliance and mitigate the risks involved with human trafficking. 


Resources

Noel Thomas on LinkedIn

Zero Trafficking

]]> 955 no No Child Left Behind with Kody Kumfer Kody Kumfer is Associate Executive Director of Forgotten Children Worldwide. Forgotten Children is an organization dedicated to helping children in vulnerable situations across the world. Kody joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Forgotten Children is funding education and working with indigenous leaders to create positive change. Forgotten Children partners with native leaders, most often religious and business leaders, who are passionate about orphan care. They have built homes and farming operations in various countries to support vulnerable children. The organization is focused on preventing children from falling prey to human trafficking, as well as improving their conditions. Currently, Forgotten Children is working in India to bring young girls out of the Devadasi system, which is a practice that, in modern times, pushes them into prostitution. It’s a hereditary role that is often passed on from grandmother, to mother, to daughter.  Resources Kody Kumfer on LinkedIn Forgotten Children Thu, 10 Nov 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 25 Gwen Hassan Kody Kumfer joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Forgotten Children is funding education and working with indigenous leaders to create positive change. Kody Kumfer is Associate Executive Director of Forgotten Children Worldwide. Forgotten Children is an organization dedicated to helping children in vulnerable situations across the world. Kody joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Forgotten Children is funding education and working with indigenous leaders to create positive change. Forgotten Children partners with native leaders, most often religious and business leaders, who are passionate about orphan care. They have built homes and farming operations in various countries to support vulnerable children. The organization is focused on preventing children from falling prey to human trafficking, as well as improving their conditions. Currently, Forgotten Children is working in India to bring young girls out of the Devadasi system, which is a practice that, in modern times, pushes them into prostitution. It’s a hereditary role that is often passed on from grandmother, to mother, to daughter.  Resources Kody Kumfer on LinkedIn Forgotten Children Kody Kumfer is Associate Executive Director of Forgotten Children Worldwide. Forgotten Children is an organization dedicated to helping children in vulnerable situations across the world. Kody joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Forgotten Children is funding education and working with indigenous leaders to create positive change.


Forgotten Children partners with native leaders, most often religious and business leaders, who are passionate about orphan care. They have built homes and farming operations in various countries to support vulnerable children. The organization is focused on preventing children from falling prey to human trafficking, as well as improving their conditions.


Currently, Forgotten Children is working in India to bring young girls out of the Devadasi system, which is a practice that, in modern times, pushes them into prostitution. It’s a hereditary role that is often passed on from grandmother, to mother, to daughter. 


Resources

Kody Kumfer on LinkedIn

Forgotten Children


]]> 1185 no Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA) with Aditi Wanchoo Aditi Wanchoo is Senior Manager of Human Rights at Novartis, based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is a leading global medicines company using innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. Aditi joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss Germany’s recent Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA) and how it’s going to help with human trafficking prevention. In order to tackle any change, whether it’s better labor and human rights protection for supply chain workers or addressing human trafficking, there needs to be an ecosystem response. Governments, businesses, and civil society must consistently work together to address and overcome these challenges. Having had the opportunity to work with three multinational companies in diverse sectors, Aditi believes companies can be and are a force for good to bring about social and environmental change. Though human trafficking prevention, in particular, has improved in the last few decades, there is still much left to be done. Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA), which was passed in 2021 and will enter into force on January 1st, 2023, is an important step forward in this regard. The act’s core expectation is to develop a corporate risk management system to identify and address human rights and environmental risks. Companies that fail to do this will be subject to substantial administrative fines. Resources Aditi Wanchoo on LinkedIn Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:32:00 -0000 full 24 Gwen Hassan Aditi Wanchoo joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss Germany’s recent Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, and how it’s going to help with human trafficking prevention. Aditi Wanchoo is Senior Manager of Human Rights at Novartis, based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is a leading global medicines company using innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. Aditi joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss Germany’s recent Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA) and how it’s going to help with human trafficking prevention. In order to tackle any change, whether it’s better labor and human rights protection for supply chain workers or addressing human trafficking, there needs to be an ecosystem response. Governments, businesses, and civil society must consistently work together to address and overcome these challenges. Having had the opportunity to work with three multinational companies in diverse sectors, Aditi believes companies can be and are a force for good to bring about social and environmental change. Though human trafficking prevention, in particular, has improved in the last few decades, there is still much left to be done. Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA), which was passed in 2021 and will enter into force on January 1st, 2023, is an important step forward in this regard. The act’s core expectation is to develop a corporate risk management system to identify and address human rights and environmental risks. Companies that fail to do this will be subject to substantial administrative fines. Resources Aditi Wanchoo on LinkedIn Aditi Wanchoo is Senior Manager of Human Rights at Novartis, based in Basel, Switzerland. Novartis is a leading global medicines company using innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. Aditi joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss Germany’s recent Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA) and how it’s going to help with human trafficking prevention.

In order to tackle any change, whether it’s better labor and human rights protection for supply chain workers or addressing human trafficking, there needs to be an ecosystem response. Governments, businesses, and civil society must consistently work together to address and overcome these challenges. Having had the opportunity to work with three multinational companies in diverse sectors, Aditi believes companies can be and are a force for good to bring about social and environmental change.


Though human trafficking prevention, in particular, has improved in the last few decades, there is still much left to be done. Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA), which was passed in 2021 and will enter into force on January 1st, 2023, is an important step forward in this regard. The act’s core expectation is to develop a corporate risk management system to identify and address human rights and environmental risks. Companies that fail to do this will be subject to substantial administrative fines.


Resources

Aditi Wanchoo on LinkedIn

]]> 1522 no Using Technology for Human Rights with Vera Belazelkoska How do you create a system where you are continuously and effectively listening to your key stakeholders in an inclusive manner? Vera Belazelkoska is Director of Programs at Ulula, a social enterprise startup that provides organizations with digital tools and expertise to monitor the human rights impacts in their global supply chains. She joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Ulula is helping companies amplify the voices of people who don’t always get to talk to the social auditors.  Ulula designs technology solutions to help companies do better in many areas. They are dedicated to building, configuring, and successfully implementing different innovative tools to help organizations monitor human rights issues, labor rights impacts, and community rights in global supply chains. Supply chain transparency is part of it, but they also focus on the accountability aspects.  Corporations are being held to increasingly high standards across different jurisdictions to ensure that they do everything in their power to identify human rights violations they may be complicit in along their supply chain, and then remediate them. Resources Vera Belazelkoska on LinkedIn  Ulula Thu, 22 Sep 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 23 Gwen Hassan Vera Belazelkoska joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Ulula is helping companies amplify the voices of people who don’t always get to talk to the social auditors. How do you create a system where you are continuously and effectively listening to your key stakeholders in an inclusive manner? Vera Belazelkoska is Director of Programs at Ulula, a social enterprise startup that provides organizations with digital tools and expertise to monitor the human rights impacts in their global supply chains. She joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Ulula is helping companies amplify the voices of people who don’t always get to talk to the social auditors.  Ulula designs technology solutions to help companies do better in many areas. They are dedicated to building, configuring, and successfully implementing different innovative tools to help organizations monitor human rights issues, labor rights impacts, and community rights in global supply chains. Supply chain transparency is part of it, but they also focus on the accountability aspects.  Corporations are being held to increasingly high standards across different jurisdictions to ensure that they do everything in their power to identify human rights violations they may be complicit in along their supply chain, and then remediate them. Resources Vera Belazelkoska on LinkedIn  Ulula How do you create a system where you are continuously and effectively listening to your key stakeholders in an inclusive manner? Vera Belazelkoska is Director of Programs at Ulula, a social enterprise startup that provides organizations with digital tools and expertise to monitor the human rights impacts in their global supply chains. She joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Ulula is helping companies amplify the voices of people who don’t always get to talk to the social auditors. 


Ulula designs technology solutions to help companies do better in many areas. They are dedicated to building, configuring, and successfully implementing different innovative tools to help organizations monitor human rights issues, labor rights impacts, and community rights in global supply chains. Supply chain transparency is part of it, but they also focus on the accountability aspects. 


Corporations are being held to increasingly high standards across different jurisdictions to ensure that they do everything in their power to identify human rights violations they may be complicit in along their supply chain, and then remediate them.


Resources

Vera Belazelkoska on LinkedIn 

Ulula


]]> 1586 no Ending Human Trafficking through Research and Information Networks with Rebekah Enoch Rebekah Enoch is Program Director at Human Trafficking Search, an organization aiming to raise awareness and contribute to preventing and eliminating human trafficking worldwide. She joins host Gwen Hassan to share how Human Trafficking Search is fighting human trafficking through education. Human Trafficking Search is an electronic clearinghouse of information about the many faces of human trafficking, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, child labor, and labor exploitation. “We really try to encompass every level of that conversation so that if you are someone who works in the field or an aspect of the field, you can find materials for any research you're doing to inform what you're working on,” Rebekah explains. Even laymen who just want to be informed can access easily digestible information from their website. They also conduct their own investigations, she adds. Recently, HTS published a report about how the green revolution in the Democratic Republic of Congo may be linked to cobalt mining. While this may not sound like a problem initially, cobalt mining in the DRC is driven by a host of issues around child labor and labor exploitation.  Resources Rebekah Enoch on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter Thu, 01 Sep 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 22 Gwen Hassan Rebekah Enoch, Program Director at Human Trafficking Search, joins host Gwen Hassan to share how Human Trafficking Search is fighting human trafficking through education. Rebekah Enoch is Program Director at Human Trafficking Search, an organization aiming to raise awareness and contribute to preventing and eliminating human trafficking worldwide. She joins host Gwen Hassan to share how Human Trafficking Search is fighting human trafficking through education. Human Trafficking Search is an electronic clearinghouse of information about the many faces of human trafficking, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, child labor, and labor exploitation. “We really try to encompass every level of that conversation so that if you are someone who works in the field or an aspect of the field, you can find materials for any research you're doing to inform what you're working on,” Rebekah explains. Even laymen who just want to be informed can access easily digestible information from their website. They also conduct their own investigations, she adds. Recently, HTS published a report about how the green revolution in the Democratic Republic of Congo may be linked to cobalt mining. While this may not sound like a problem initially, cobalt mining in the DRC is driven by a host of issues around child labor and labor exploitation.  Resources Rebekah Enoch on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter Rebekah Enoch is Program Director at Human Trafficking Search, an organization aiming to raise awareness and contribute to preventing and eliminating human trafficking worldwide. She joins host Gwen Hassan to share how Human Trafficking Search is fighting human trafficking through education.


Human Trafficking Search is an electronic clearinghouse of information about the many faces of human trafficking, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, child labor, and labor exploitation. “We really try to encompass every level of that conversation so that if you are someone who works in the field or an aspect of the field, you can find materials for any research you're doing to inform what you're working on,” Rebekah explains. Even laymen who just want to be informed can access easily digestible information from their website.


They also conduct their own investigations, she adds. Recently, HTS published a report about how the green revolution in the Democratic Republic of Congo may be linked to cobalt mining. While this may not sound like a problem initially, cobalt mining in the DRC is driven by a host of issues around child labor and labor exploitation. 


Resources

Rebekah Enoch on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter

]]> 1891 no Developments in Human Trafficking and Forced Labor Prevention In this solo episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan discusses recent developments in human trafficking and forced labor prevention. She shares with listeners a snapshot of where Hidden Traffic is headed over the next few months as 2022 draws to a close. There has been a flurry of activity around the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, Gwen claims. It has been driving broader conversations among companies about their supply chains, serving as an impetus to examine where they source their products from and if they have been enabling entities that violate human rights. Even companies that are truly domestic have now started full-scale risk assessment processes for forced labor risk within their supply chain. It really has stemmed from UFLPA work, because many of them are concerned they may have private label goods that are manufactured for them under a contract manufacturing arrangement overseas. They've become aware of the fact that they may be caught up in a forced labor situation, even if it's not their own labor or their own manufacturing. Resources Gwen Hassan on LinkedIn Tue, 23 Aug 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 21 Gwen Hassan In this solo episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan discusses recent developments in human trafficking and forced labor prevention. In this solo episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan discusses recent developments in human trafficking and forced labor prevention. She shares with listeners a snapshot of where Hidden Traffic is headed over the next few months as 2022 draws to a close. There has been a flurry of activity around the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, Gwen claims. It has been driving broader conversations among companies about their supply chains, serving as an impetus to examine where they source their products from and if they have been enabling entities that violate human rights. Even companies that are truly domestic have now started full-scale risk assessment processes for forced labor risk within their supply chain. It really has stemmed from UFLPA work, because many of them are concerned they may have private label goods that are manufactured for them under a contract manufacturing arrangement overseas. They've become aware of the fact that they may be caught up in a forced labor situation, even if it's not their own labor or their own manufacturing. Resources Gwen Hassan on LinkedIn In this solo episode of the Hidden Traffic Podcast, host Gwen Hassan discusses recent developments in human trafficking and forced labor prevention. She shares with listeners a snapshot of where Hidden Traffic is headed over the next few months as 2022 draws to a close.


There has been a flurry of activity around the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, Gwen claims. It has been driving broader conversations among companies about their supply chains, serving as an impetus to examine where they source their products from and if they have been enabling entities that violate human rights. Even companies that are truly domestic have now started full-scale risk assessment processes for forced labor risk within their supply chain.


It really has stemmed from UFLPA work, because many of them are concerned they may have private label goods that are manufactured for them under a contract manufacturing arrangement overseas. They've become aware of the fact that they may be caught up in a forced labor situation, even if it's not their own labor or their own manufacturing.


Resources

Gwen Hassan on LinkedIn

]]> 1565 no More About the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act with Virginia Newman Virginia Newman is a trade and white collar compliance attorney, and counsel in the international department at Miller & Chevalier. She advises on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), anti-money laundering (AML), securities laws, anti-forced labor laws and other human rights-related issues. Virginia also specializes in investigations and litigation. She joins host Gwen Hassan to explore key points in the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. There has been a debate around which comes first: mapping your supply chain, or doing a risk assessment. Rather than making it a chicken or the egg scenario, Virginia believes mapping your supply chain is a part of a risk assessment and due diligence. The first step in performing a risk assessment is discussing your products with your product team, she shares: figuring out which products have high risk inputs, and which ones you should focus on mapping first. This is especially important for large companies who import and distribute countless products. There may be too many products to have a fully mapped and detailed supply chain for every one of them. Taking it one input at a time breaks down the line item list to a more manageable level. Resources Virginia Newman on LinkedIn Thu, 04 Aug 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 20 Gwen Hassan Virginia Newman joins host Gwen Hassan to explore key points in the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Virginia Newman is a trade and white collar compliance attorney, and counsel in the international department at Miller & Chevalier. She advises on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), anti-money laundering (AML), securities laws, anti-forced labor laws and other human rights-related issues. Virginia also specializes in investigations and litigation. She joins host Gwen Hassan to explore key points in the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. There has been a debate around which comes first: mapping your supply chain, or doing a risk assessment. Rather than making it a chicken or the egg scenario, Virginia believes mapping your supply chain is a part of a risk assessment and due diligence. The first step in performing a risk assessment is discussing your products with your product team, she shares: figuring out which products have high risk inputs, and which ones you should focus on mapping first. This is especially important for large companies who import and distribute countless products. There may be too many products to have a fully mapped and detailed supply chain for every one of them. Taking it one input at a time breaks down the line item list to a more manageable level. Resources Virginia Newman on LinkedIn Virginia Newman is a trade and white collar compliance attorney, and counsel in the international department at Miller & Chevalier. She advises on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), anti-money laundering (AML), securities laws, anti-forced labor laws and other human rights-related issues. Virginia also specializes in investigations and litigation. She joins host Gwen Hassan to explore key points in the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.


There has been a debate around which comes first: mapping your supply chain, or doing a risk assessment. Rather than making it a chicken or the egg scenario, Virginia believes mapping your supply chain is a part of a risk assessment and due diligence. The first step in performing a risk assessment is discussing your products with your product team, she shares: figuring out which products have high risk inputs, and which ones you should focus on mapping first.


This is especially important for large companies who import and distribute countless products. There may be too many products to have a fully mapped and detailed supply chain for every one of them. Taking it one input at a time breaks down the line item list to a more manageable level.


Resources

Virginia Newman on LinkedIn


]]> 1863 no Supply Chains and Risk Assessments with Mollie Sitkowski Mollie Sitkowski is Trade Compliance Counsel at Faegre Drinker, where she handles import and export control and compliance work on behalf of the firm's clients. She has assisted numerous clients in developing and implementing import and export compliance programs, and offers continued training to the business areas that touch on import and export compliance. She returns in this episode to discuss key points about the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Customs has been advocating forced labor risk assessments since the consumptive demand loophole that allowed companies to import goods made by forced labor was taken out. However, aside from companies in very high risk industries such as textiles, most companies weren’t conducting these risk assessments. Mollie advises listeners to start mapping out supply chains and identifying ones with the highest risk - you can’t assess your risk without knowing your supply chain.  Every company should have a supplier code of conduct, Mollie adds. The best practice would be flowing down the requirements from your first tier suppliers to their suppliers, because the manufacturers also need to be on board and held responsible. Resources Mollie Sitkowski on LinkedIn Thu, 21 Jul 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 19 Gwen Hassan Mollie Sitkowski, Trade Compliance Counsel at Faegre Drinker, returns in this episode to discuss key points about the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Mollie Sitkowski is Trade Compliance Counsel at Faegre Drinker, where she handles import and export control and compliance work on behalf of the firm's clients. She has assisted numerous clients in developing and implementing import and export compliance programs, and offers continued training to the business areas that touch on import and export compliance. She returns in this episode to discuss key points about the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Customs has been advocating forced labor risk assessments since the consumptive demand loophole that allowed companies to import goods made by forced labor was taken out. However, aside from companies in very high risk industries such as textiles, most companies weren’t conducting these risk assessments. Mollie advises listeners to start mapping out supply chains and identifying ones with the highest risk - you can’t assess your risk without knowing your supply chain.  Every company should have a supplier code of conduct, Mollie adds. The best practice would be flowing down the requirements from your first tier suppliers to their suppliers, because the manufacturers also need to be on board and held responsible. Resources Mollie Sitkowski on LinkedIn Mollie Sitkowski is Trade Compliance Counsel at Faegre Drinker, where she handles import and export control and compliance work on behalf of the firm's clients. She has assisted numerous clients in developing and implementing import and export compliance programs, and offers continued training to the business areas that touch on import and export compliance. She returns in this episode to discuss key points about the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.


Customs has been advocating forced labor risk assessments since the consumptive demand loophole that allowed companies to import goods made by forced labor was taken out. However, aside from companies in very high risk industries such as textiles, most companies weren’t conducting these risk assessments. Mollie advises listeners to start mapping out supply chains and identifying ones with the highest risk - you can’t assess your risk without knowing your supply chain. 


Every company should have a supplier code of conduct, Mollie adds. The best practice would be flowing down the requirements from your first tier suppliers to their suppliers, because the manufacturers also need to be on board and held responsible.


Resources

Mollie Sitkowski on LinkedIn

]]> 1600 no Human Trafficking in Hospitality with Matthew Frank Matthew Frank is Chief Legal Officer at PeopleConnect. He is an experienced legal and compliance executive in many industries including e-commerce, technology, hospitality, and manufacturing. Matthew joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss human trafficking in the hospitality industry.  Matthew previously served as Senior Vice President and Global Chief Compliance Officer at Las Vegas Sands Corps, where he was involved in the trafficking focus. They did extensive training with the front desk staff, teaching them to spot red flags at the check-in process, and with the housekeeping staff.  Staffing shortages can lead to human trafficking risks, Matthew claims. In a place like Singapore, where the majority of housekeeping staff are guest workers from other places in Southeast Asia, the big risk is the presence of labor brokers. They would recruit locals, mostly low-income young women, and essentially force them into indentured servitude.  Resources Matthew Frank on LinkedIn Thu, 30 Jun 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 18 Gwen Hassan Matthew Frank, Chief Legal Officer at PeopleConnect, joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss human trafficking in the hospitality industry. Matthew Frank is Chief Legal Officer at PeopleConnect. He is an experienced legal and compliance executive in many industries including e-commerce, technology, hospitality, and manufacturing. Matthew joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss human trafficking in the hospitality industry.  Matthew previously served as Senior Vice President and Global Chief Compliance Officer at Las Vegas Sands Corps, where he was involved in the trafficking focus. They did extensive training with the front desk staff, teaching them to spot red flags at the check-in process, and with the housekeeping staff.  Staffing shortages can lead to human trafficking risks, Matthew claims. In a place like Singapore, where the majority of housekeeping staff are guest workers from other places in Southeast Asia, the big risk is the presence of labor brokers. They would recruit locals, mostly low-income young women, and essentially force them into indentured servitude.  Resources Matthew Frank on LinkedIn Matthew Frank is Chief Legal Officer at PeopleConnect. He is an experienced legal and compliance executive in many industries including e-commerce, technology, hospitality, and manufacturing. Matthew joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss human trafficking in the hospitality industry. 


Matthew previously served as Senior Vice President and Global Chief Compliance Officer at Las Vegas Sands Corps, where he was involved in the trafficking focus. They did extensive training with the front desk staff, teaching them to spot red flags at the check-in process, and with the housekeeping staff. 


Staffing shortages can lead to human trafficking risks, Matthew claims. In a place like Singapore, where the majority of housekeeping staff are guest workers from other places in Southeast Asia, the big risk is the presence of labor brokers. They would recruit locals, mostly low-income young women, and essentially force them into indentured servitude. 


Resources

Matthew Frank on LinkedIn

]]> 1504 no Closing the Accountability Gaps with Duncan Jepson Duncan Jepson is Managing Director of Liberty Shared. Starting as a documentary filmmaker, he saw the stark contrast between the ones being filmed and the excited executives. He joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Liberty Shared is helping organizations take action against human rights violations.  Liberty Shared’s main focus is data gathering and research and intelligence sharing -  gathering information about what happens on the ground then communicating that to individuals, groups, and organizations that can do something in response. “We’re not interested in statistics [or] estimations,” Duncan shares, “we’re interested in data as it is accurate and can produce actionable information and evidence.” The system is flawed and incomplete, he adds. The global economy is profit-oriented, so much so that it operates at the expense of other people, and the chance of anyone being held accountable for their part in it is very limited. Liberty Shared is working to identify those gaps of accountability and close them as much as possible.  Resources Duncan Jepson on LinkedIn Thu, 16 Jun 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 17 Gwen Hassan Duncan Jepson joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Liberty Shared is helping organizations take action against human rights violations. Duncan Jepson is Managing Director of Liberty Shared. Starting as a documentary filmmaker, he saw the stark contrast between the ones being filmed and the excited executives. He joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Liberty Shared is helping organizations take action against human rights violations.  Liberty Shared’s main focus is data gathering and research and intelligence sharing -  gathering information about what happens on the ground then communicating that to individuals, groups, and organizations that can do something in response. “We’re not interested in statistics [or] estimations,” Duncan shares, “we’re interested in data as it is accurate and can produce actionable information and evidence.” The system is flawed and incomplete, he adds. The global economy is profit-oriented, so much so that it operates at the expense of other people, and the chance of anyone being held accountable for their part in it is very limited. Liberty Shared is working to identify those gaps of accountability and close them as much as possible.  Resources Duncan Jepson on LinkedIn Duncan Jepson is Managing Director of Liberty Shared. Starting as a documentary filmmaker, he saw the stark contrast between the ones being filmed and the excited executives. He joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss how Liberty Shared is helping organizations take action against human rights violations. 


Liberty Shared’s main focus is data gathering and research and intelligence sharing -  gathering information about what happens on the ground then communicating that to individuals, groups, and organizations that can do something in response. “We’re not interested in statistics [or] estimations,” Duncan shares, “we’re interested in data as it is accurate and can produce actionable information and evidence.”


The system is flawed and incomplete, he adds. The global economy is profit-oriented, so much so that it operates at the expense of other people, and the chance of anyone being held accountable for their part in it is very limited. Liberty Shared is working to identify those gaps of accountability and close them as much as possible. 


Resources

Duncan Jepson on LinkedIn

]]> 1910 no Contracts and Supply Chains with Sarah Dadush and Susan Maslow Sarah Dadush is a business and human rights law practitioner with a background in international development. She also teaches Contracts, Business & Human Rights, and Consumer Law at Rutgers Law School. Susan Maslow is an experienced business attorney with a focus on transactional corporate law, and a co-founder and partner at Antheil Maslow & MacMinn. They join host Gwen Hassan to discuss how contracts can be used as preventative measures against human rights violations. Upon coming across the Model Contract clause 1.0 (also called standard contractual clauses), Sarah was taken by the idea of using contracts as a tool for improving the human rights performance of international supply chains. As contracts are well within the dominion of firms, there was something promising about using these legal links in the supply chain to serve a new purpose. Unfortunately, the 1.0 had a significant pain point, but the updated 2.0 intends to solve it. This pain point, Susan shares, is that model clauses’ definition of non-conforming goods did not address the buyer’s desire to call them non-conforming or even use traditional contract remedies. Soccer balls that are black and white and perfectly stitched look like conforming goods, even if they were made with forced labor. “The first step in [our process] was to define goods that were tainted by forced labor, child labor, or other human rights abuses as defective,” she adds. Resources Sarah Dadush on LinkedIn  Susan Maslow on LinkedIn AMM Law - Susan Maslow Thu, 02 Jun 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 16 Gwen Hassan Sarah Dadush is a business and human rights law practitioner with a background in international development. She also teaches Contracts, Business & Human Rights, and Consumer Law at Rutgers Law School. Susan Maslow is an experienced business attorney with a focus on transactional corporate law, and a co-founder and partner at Antheil Maslow & MacMinn. They join host Gwen Hassan to discuss how contracts can be used as preventative measures against human rights violations. Upon coming across the Model Contract clause 1.0 (also called standard contractual clauses), Sarah was taken by the idea of using contracts as a tool for improving the human rights performance of international supply chains. As contracts are well within the dominion of firms, there was something promising about using these legal links in the supply chain to serve a new purpose. Unfortunately, the 1.0 had a significant pain point, but the updated 2.0 intends to solve it. This pain point, Susan shares, is that model clauses’ definition of non-conforming goods did not address the buyer’s desire to call them non-conforming or even use traditional contract remedies. Soccer balls that are black and white and perfectly stitched look like conforming goods, even if they were made with forced labor. “The first step in [our process] was to define goods that were tainted by forced labor, child labor, or other human rights abuses as defective,” she adds. Resources Sarah Dadush on LinkedIn  Susan Maslow on LinkedIn AMM Law - Susan Maslow Sarah Dadush is a business and human rights law practitioner with a background in international development. She also teaches Contracts, Business & Human Rights, and Consumer Law at Rutgers Law School. Susan Maslow is an experienced business attorney with a focus on transactional corporate law, and a co-founder and partner at Antheil Maslow & MacMinn. They join host Gwen Hassan to discuss how contracts can be used as preventative measures against human rights violations.


Upon coming across the Model Contract clause 1.0 (also called standard contractual clauses), Sarah was taken by the idea of using contracts as a tool for improving the human rights performance of international supply chains. As contracts are well within the dominion of firms, there was something promising about using these legal links in the supply chain to serve a new purpose. Unfortunately, the 1.0 had a significant pain point, but the updated 2.0 intends to solve it.


This pain point, Susan shares, is that model clauses’ definition of non-conforming goods did not address the buyer’s desire to call them non-conforming or even use traditional contract remedies. Soccer balls that are black and white and perfectly stitched look like conforming goods, even if they were made with forced labor. “The first step in [our process] was to define goods that were tainted by forced labor, child labor, or other human rights abuses as defective,” she adds.


Resources

Sarah Dadush on LinkedIn 

Susan Maslow on LinkedIn

AMM Law - Susan Maslow


]]> 2102 no Customs and Human Trafficking Prevention with Richard Mojica Richard Mojica is Practice Lead of Customs and Import Trade at Miller & Chevalier. He helps companies comply with the legal requirements associated with importing products into the United States. He also specializes in business and human rights. Richard joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the overlap between customs and human trafficking prevention, and how they came to intersect. Though the importation of goods made with forced labor is prohibited by law, there was a loophole that allowed it for decades. The loophole was that if a good was not sufficiently produced in the US to meet consumptive demand, it could be imported, which permitted the importation of goods made with forced labor that fulfilled those requirements. This was made worse by the lack of oversight from customs, which was likely driven by a focus on acquiring necessary goods.  The loophole of consumptive demand was plugged in 2016 by the passing of a new law, and the US Customs and Border Protection was charged with its enforcement. The CBP’s tool for that is the withhold-release order - an instruction that detains merchandise that is suspected of being made with forced labor at the ports of entry.  Resources Richard Mojica on LinkedIn | Twitter  MillerChevalier.com Thu, 19 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 15 Gwen Hassan Richard Mojica joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the overlap between customs and human trafficking prevention, and how they came to intersect. Richard Mojica is Practice Lead of Customs and Import Trade at Miller & Chevalier. He helps companies comply with the legal requirements associated with importing products into the United States. He also specializes in business and human rights. Richard joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the overlap between customs and human trafficking prevention, and how they came to intersect. Though the importation of goods made with forced labor is prohibited by law, there was a loophole that allowed it for decades. The loophole was that if a good was not sufficiently produced in the US to meet consumptive demand, it could be imported, which permitted the importation of goods made with forced labor that fulfilled those requirements. This was made worse by the lack of oversight from customs, which was likely driven by a focus on acquiring necessary goods.  The loophole of consumptive demand was plugged in 2016 by the passing of a new law, and the US Customs and Border Protection was charged with its enforcement. The CBP’s tool for that is the withhold-release order - an instruction that detains merchandise that is suspected of being made with forced labor at the ports of entry.  Resources Richard Mojica on LinkedIn | Twitter  MillerChevalier.com Richard Mojica is Practice Lead of Customs and Import Trade at Miller & Chevalier. He helps companies comply with the legal requirements associated with importing products into the United States. He also specializes in business and human rights. Richard joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the overlap between customs and human trafficking prevention, and how they came to intersect.


Though the importation of goods made with forced labor is prohibited by law, there was a loophole that allowed it for decades. The loophole was that if a good was not sufficiently produced in the US to meet consumptive demand, it could be imported, which permitted the importation of goods made with forced labor that fulfilled those requirements. This was made worse by the lack of oversight from customs, which was likely driven by a focus on acquiring necessary goods. 


The loophole of consumptive demand was plugged in 2016 by the passing of a new law, and the US Customs and Border Protection was charged with its enforcement. The CBP’s tool for that is the withhold-release order - an instruction that detains merchandise that is suspected of being made with forced labor at the ports of entry. 


Resources

Richard Mojica on LinkedIn | Twitter 

MillerChevalier.com


]]> 1591 no The UN’s Stance on Business and Human Rights with Nate Lankford Nate Lankford is the Practice Lead for Business and Human Rights at Miller and Chevalier, and co-chair of the International Bar Association’s Business and Human Rights Committee. He is an anti-corruption expert whose practice focuses on matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other areas of international corporate compliance. Nate joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the UNGP on Business and Human Rights and its role in ending forced labor. The UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is a framework unanimously endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011. The framework is a broad consensus about a company’s responsibility to respect human rights - essentially, a company’s responsibility to ensure their actions aren’t interfering with someone’s ability to enjoy their rights. It also requires companies to do due diligence in identifying their human rights risks and facilitate effective remediation when they’ve identified that they’ve had adverse impacts. “[The company must] evaluate the risks and severity from the lens of vulnerable stakeholders like a worker or community member,” Nate shares. The potential liability and economic consequences shouldn’t be the priorities when faced with a potential breach of human rights. It’s important to have meaningful stakeholder engagement in all stages of risk evaluation, and transparency is key to that process. Resources Nate Lankford on LinkedIn Thu, 05 May 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 14 Gwen Hassan Nate Lankford joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the UNGP on Business and Human Rights and its role in ending forced labor. Nate Lankford is the Practice Lead for Business and Human Rights at Miller and Chevalier, and co-chair of the International Bar Association’s Business and Human Rights Committee. He is an anti-corruption expert whose practice focuses on matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other areas of international corporate compliance. Nate joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the UNGP on Business and Human Rights and its role in ending forced labor. The UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is a framework unanimously endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011. The framework is a broad consensus about a company’s responsibility to respect human rights - essentially, a company’s responsibility to ensure their actions aren’t interfering with someone’s ability to enjoy their rights. It also requires companies to do due diligence in identifying their human rights risks and facilitate effective remediation when they’ve identified that they’ve had adverse impacts. “[The company must] evaluate the risks and severity from the lens of vulnerable stakeholders like a worker or community member,” Nate shares. The potential liability and economic consequences shouldn’t be the priorities when faced with a potential breach of human rights. It’s important to have meaningful stakeholder engagement in all stages of risk evaluation, and transparency is key to that process. Resources Nate Lankford on LinkedIn Nate Lankford is the Practice Lead for Business and Human Rights at Miller and Chevalier, and co-chair of the International Bar Association’s Business and Human Rights Committee. He is an anti-corruption expert whose practice focuses on matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other areas of international corporate compliance. Nate joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the UNGP on Business and Human Rights and its role in ending forced labor.


The UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is a framework unanimously endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011. The framework is a broad consensus about a company’s responsibility to respect human rights - essentially, a company’s responsibility to ensure their actions aren’t interfering with someone’s ability to enjoy their rights. It also requires companies to do due diligence in identifying their human rights risks and facilitate effective remediation when they’ve identified that they’ve had adverse impacts.


“[The company must] evaluate the risks and severity from the lens of vulnerable stakeholders like a worker or community member,” Nate shares. The potential liability and economic consequences shouldn’t be the priorities when faced with a potential breach of human rights. It’s important to have meaningful stakeholder engagement in all stages of risk evaluation, and transparency is key to that process.


Resources

Nate Lankford on LinkedIn

]]> 1331 no Forced Labor and Fast Fashion with Mike McDonnell Mike McDonnell is an IT Consultant and a CSR. He was also a founding member of the Responsible Business Alliance's Responsible Labor Initiative. Mike and host Gwen Hassan discuss the impact of fast fashion on workers, forced labor, and the responsibility of companies to ensure that they don’t use vendors and suppliers who engage in unethical and harmful practices.   Many workers who end up in the grips of human trafficking are oftentimes fleeing hardship and poverty. This makes them targets for exploitation by agencies and facilities. Mike explains that some workers have to pay fees to be able to be hired, and, because of these fees, they are put under tremendous pressure by the employers. The workers feel indebted to the ones exploiting them, allowing their superiors to maintain a sense of control over them. Companies may also be receiving free hiring services and benefits by way of human trafficking, sometimes without their knowledge.  The workers pay fees in two ways: above board by way of charging limits, or in rougher aspects by extraction of cash. These fees are ongoing and so that workers can keep their heads down and out of the line of fire, so to speak. There are digital programs put in place to audit this. Surveys are given out to workers with questions on whether they've been asked by anyone for money. One of the positives about this type of technology is that companies are able to monitor in real time when these situations arise.  It's not enough to not do harm as a company. It's not enough to just say that you're following your code of ethics. You have to show it in your actions, and you have to break it down to its elements. Rethink your tools, assess your suppliers and their business practices, and these can become your rail factors on whether or not to engage in business with them. If they present too much of a risk, or you cannot prove that they aren't engaging in unethical behavior, you will have to rethink your outsourcing.  Resources Mike McDonnell on LinkedIn  Responsible Labor Initiative Thu, 21 Apr 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 13 Gwen Hassan Mike McDonnell and Gwen Hassan discuss the impact of fast fashion on workers, forced labor, and the responsibility of companies to ensure that they don’t use vendors and suppliers who engage in unethical and harmful practices. Mike McDonnell is an IT Consultant and a CSR. He was also a founding member of the Responsible Business Alliance's Responsible Labor Initiative. Mike and host Gwen Hassan discuss the impact of fast fashion on workers, forced labor, and the responsibility of companies to ensure that they don’t use vendors and suppliers who engage in unethical and harmful practices.   Many workers who end up in the grips of human trafficking are oftentimes fleeing hardship and poverty. This makes them targets for exploitation by agencies and facilities. Mike explains that some workers have to pay fees to be able to be hired, and, because of these fees, they are put under tremendous pressure by the employers. The workers feel indebted to the ones exploiting them, allowing their superiors to maintain a sense of control over them. Companies may also be receiving free hiring services and benefits by way of human trafficking, sometimes without their knowledge.  The workers pay fees in two ways: above board by way of charging limits, or in rougher aspects by extraction of cash. These fees are ongoing and so that workers can keep their heads down and out of the line of fire, so to speak. There are digital programs put in place to audit this. Surveys are given out to workers with questions on whether they've been asked by anyone for money. One of the positives about this type of technology is that companies are able to monitor in real time when these situations arise.  It's not enough to not do harm as a company. It's not enough to just say that you're following your code of ethics. You have to show it in your actions, and you have to break it down to its elements. Rethink your tools, assess your suppliers and their business practices, and these can become your rail factors on whether or not to engage in business with them. If they present too much of a risk, or you cannot prove that they aren't engaging in unethical behavior, you will have to rethink your outsourcing.  Resources Mike McDonnell on LinkedIn  Responsible Labor Initiative Mike McDonnell is an IT Consultant and a CSR. He was also a founding member of the Responsible Business Alliance's Responsible Labor Initiative. Mike and host Gwen Hassan discuss the impact of fast fashion on workers, forced labor, and the responsibility of companies to ensure that they don’t use vendors and suppliers who engage in unethical and harmful practices.  


Many workers who end up in the grips of human trafficking are oftentimes fleeing hardship and poverty. This makes them targets for exploitation by agencies and facilities. Mike explains that some workers have to pay fees to be able to be hired, and, because of these fees, they are put under tremendous pressure by the employers. The workers feel indebted to the ones exploiting them, allowing their superiors to maintain a sense of control over them. Companies may also be receiving free hiring services and benefits by way of human trafficking, sometimes without their knowledge. 


The workers pay fees in two ways: above board by way of charging limits, or in rougher aspects by extraction of cash. These fees are ongoing and so that workers can keep their heads down and out of the line of fire, so to speak. There are digital programs put in place to audit this. Surveys are given out to workers with questions on whether they've been asked by anyone for money. One of the positives about this type of technology is that companies are able to monitor in real time when these situations arise. 


It's not enough to not do harm as a company. It's not enough to just say that you're following your code of ethics. You have to show it in your actions, and you have to break it down to its elements. Rethink your tools, assess your suppliers and their business practices, and these can become your rail factors on whether or not to engage in business with them. If they present too much of a risk, or you cannot prove that they aren't engaging in unethical behavior, you will have to rethink your outsourcing. 


Resources

Mike McDonnell on LinkedIn 

Responsible Labor Initiative

]]> 1592 no The Role of Digital Platforms in Human Trafficking with Lisa Thee Lisa Thee is the Data for Good Practice Lead at Launch Consulting Group. She is CEO at AMP Solutions, where she provides advising, consulting, and strategy services for businesses. She also serves on the board of directors and as an advisory board member for several organizations, and is a TEDx Speaker. Lisa joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the evolution of digital safety, and the role of digital platforms in both the persistence and end of human trafficking. Digital platforms have been used as a vehicle for recruiting victims of human trafficking and/or child sexual exploitation, in part due to the absence of standards and regulations for digital safety. There isn’t a strong business incentive to do the right thing in terms of trust and safety, Lisa claims, because it opposes shareholder value and growing your audience. “I think we're finally at a place as a society where we're ready to [abandon leveraging] our next generation’s mental and physical health to maintain the status quo,” she says. However, a delicate balance must be struck; making adjustments to trust and safety will directly impact privacy, and vice versa. There is no one-and-done method to solving this problem, as it has never been about technology, but instead, ethics. On a related note, advocating for compliance and ethics from a financial standpoint promotes a win-win scenario for business and for the greater good. Resources Lisa Thee on LinkedIn | Twitter LisaThee.com Thu, 07 Apr 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 12 Gwen Hassan Lisa Thee joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the evolution of digital safety, and the role of digital platforms in both the persistence and end of human trafficking. Lisa Thee is the Data for Good Practice Lead at Launch Consulting Group. She is CEO at AMP Solutions, where she provides advising, consulting, and strategy services for businesses. She also serves on the board of directors and as an advisory board member for several organizations, and is a TEDx Speaker. Lisa joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the evolution of digital safety, and the role of digital platforms in both the persistence and end of human trafficking. Digital platforms have been used as a vehicle for recruiting victims of human trafficking and/or child sexual exploitation, in part due to the absence of standards and regulations for digital safety. There isn’t a strong business incentive to do the right thing in terms of trust and safety, Lisa claims, because it opposes shareholder value and growing your audience. “I think we're finally at a place as a society where we're ready to [abandon leveraging] our next generation’s mental and physical health to maintain the status quo,” she says. However, a delicate balance must be struck; making adjustments to trust and safety will directly impact privacy, and vice versa. There is no one-and-done method to solving this problem, as it has never been about technology, but instead, ethics. On a related note, advocating for compliance and ethics from a financial standpoint promotes a win-win scenario for business and for the greater good. Resources Lisa Thee on LinkedIn | Twitter LisaThee.com Lisa Thee is the Data for Good Practice Lead at Launch Consulting Group. She is CEO at AMP Solutions, where she provides advising, consulting, and strategy services for businesses. She also serves on the board of directors and as an advisory board member for several organizations, and is a TEDx Speaker. Lisa joins host Gwen Hassan to discuss the evolution of digital safety, and the role of digital platforms in both the persistence and end of human trafficking.


Digital platforms have been used as a vehicle for recruiting victims of human trafficking and/or child sexual exploitation, in part due to the absence of standards and regulations for digital safety. There isn’t a strong business incentive to do the right thing in terms of trust and safety, Lisa claims, because it opposes shareholder value and growing your audience. “I think we're finally at a place as a society where we're ready to [abandon leveraging] our next generation’s mental and physical health to maintain the status quo,” she says.


However, a delicate balance must be struck; making adjustments to trust and safety will directly impact privacy, and vice versa. There is no one-and-done method to solving this problem, as it has never been about technology, but instead, ethics. On a related note, advocating for compliance and ethics from a financial standpoint promotes a win-win scenario for business and for the greater good.


Resources

Lisa Thee on LinkedIn | Twitter

LisaThee.com


]]> 1542 no Maintaining Supply Chain Integrity with Leo Bonanni Leo Bonanni is founder and CEO of Sourcemap, the social network for supply chains. Sourcemap provides supply chain mapping software for companies, that traces products, evaluates social, environmental and financial risks, and monitors improvements over time. Leo is also a board member at Bluenumber Foundation, a former faculty member at NYU and Columbia University, and a former visiting scientist at MIT Media Lab. He joins host Gwen Hassan to explore how Sourcemap is maintaining supply chain integrity and transparency with social networks. The impetus behind Sourcemap was transparency in a world of greenwashing, Leo shares. He observed the emergence of user-generated content and the convergence of the democratization and open dissemination of ideas, and connected the two to make it easier to maintain supply chain integrity. When Sourcemap launched in 2011, there were numerous companies interested in mapping their supply chains to gain a competitive edge.  Audits were the predominant technique used to manage social and environmental performance in extended supply chains. Sourcemap is expanding the power of audits by collecting data from all of the actors in a high-risk region. Resources Leo Bonanni on LinkedIn | Twitter Sourcemap.com | Sourcemap on Twitter Thu, 24 Mar 2022 04:01:00 -0000 full 12 Gwen Hassan Leo Bonanni joins host Gwen Hassan to explore how Sourcemap is maintaining supply chain integrity and transparency with social networks. Leo Bonanni is founder and CEO of Sourcemap, the social network for supply chains. Sourcemap provides supply chain mapping software for companies, that traces products, evaluates social, environmental and financial risks, and monitors improvements over time. Leo is also a board member at Bluenumber Foundation, a former faculty member at NYU and Columbia University, and a former visiting scientist at MIT Media Lab. He joins host Gwen Hassan to explore how Sourcemap is maintaining supply chain integrity and transparency with social networks. The impetus behind Sourcemap was transparency in a world of greenwashing, Leo shares. He observed the emergence of user-generated content and the convergence of the democratization and open dissemination of ideas, and connected the two to make it easier to maintain supply chain integrity. When Sourcemap launched in 2011, there were numerous companies interested in mapping their supply chains to gain a competitive edge.  Audits were the predominant technique used to manage social and environmental performance in extended supply chains. Sourcemap is expanding the power of audits by collecting data from all of the actors in a high-risk region. Resources Leo Bonanni on LinkedIn | Twitter Sourcemap.com | Sourcemap on Twitter Leo Bonanni is founder and CEO of Sourcemap, the social network for supply chains. Sourcemap provides supply chain mapping software for companies, that traces products, evaluates social, environmental and financial risks, and monitors improvements over time. Leo is also a board member at Bluenumber Foundation, a former faculty member at NYU and Columbia University, and a former visiting scientist at MIT Media Lab. He joins host Gwen Hassan to explore how Sourcemap is maintaining supply chain integrity and transparency with social networks.


The impetus behind Sourcemap was transparency in a world of greenwashing, Leo shares. He observed the emergence of user-generated content and the convergence of the democratization and open dissemination of ideas, and connected the two to make it easier to maintain supply chain integrity. When Sourcemap launched in 2011, there were numerous companies interested in mapping their supply chains to gain a competitive edge. 


Audits were the predominant technique used to manage social and environmental performance in extended supply chains. Sourcemap is expanding the power of audits by collecting data from all of the actors in a high-risk region.


Resources

Leo Bonanni on LinkedIn | Twitter

Sourcemap.com | Sourcemap on Twitter

]]> 1340 Understanding What Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Are with Laura Gauer Bermudez, PhD Laura Gauer Bermudez is Director of Evidence and Learning at the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery. She is also a psychotherapist at Gold Therapy NYC and Westchester Psychotherapy. With over 15 years of experience in leadership, business operations, and grant-making, Laura is a social impact professional dedicated to making the clinical setting more human. She joins host Gwen Hassan to define and differentiate between human trafficking and modern slavery, and discuss GFEMS’ data-based approach to ending both. Fundamentally, modern slavery and human trafficking are about people with more power taking advantage of those with less for profit. Often, the victims have a minority status, usually ethnic, religious, or gender-based. Though modern slavery and human trafficking often intersect, they aren’t the same thing. Human trafficking is the recruitment, transfer, transportation, harboring or receipt of persons using force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of exploitation. Modern slavery is an umbrella term that covers multiple forms of exploitation, including human trafficking, forced labor, commercial sexual exploitation, and forced marriage.  Whether the term ‘modern slavery’ is appropriate is a point of contention within the US. The reason it’s up for debate is due to the US’ own history of the transatlantic slave trade; for some, it’s an insult to equate recent forms of exploitation to the purchasing and ownership of African people as property.  Resources Laura Gauer Bermudez on LinkedIn | Twitter Global Fund To End Modern Slavery Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 10 Gwen Hassan Laura Gauer Bermudez joins host Gwen Hassan to define and differentiate between human trafficking and modern slavery, and discuss GFEMS’ data-based approach to ending both. Laura Gauer Bermudez is Director of Evidence and Learning at the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery. She is also a psychotherapist at Gold Therapy NYC and Westchester Psychotherapy. With over 15 years of experience in leadership, business operations, and grant-making, Laura is a social impact professional dedicated to making the clinical setting more human. She joins host Gwen Hassan to define and differentiate between human trafficking and modern slavery, and discuss GFEMS’ data-based approach to ending both. Fundamentally, modern slavery and human trafficking are about people with more power taking advantage of those with less for profit. Often, the victims have a minority status, usually ethnic, religious, or gender-based. Though modern slavery and human trafficking often intersect, they aren’t the same thing. Human trafficking is the recruitment, transfer, transportation, harboring or receipt of persons using force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of exploitation. Modern slavery is an umbrella term that covers multiple forms of exploitation, including human trafficking, forced labor, commercial sexual exploitation, and forced marriage.  Whether the term ‘modern slavery’ is appropriate is a point of contention within the US. The reason it’s up for debate is due to the US’ own history of the transatlantic slave trade; for some, it’s an insult to equate recent forms of exploitation to the purchasing and ownership of African people as property.  Resources Laura Gauer Bermudez on LinkedIn | Twitter Global Fund To End Modern Slavery Laura Gauer Bermudez is Director of Evidence and Learning at the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery. She is also a psychotherapist at Gold Therapy NYC and Westchester Psychotherapy. With over 15 years of experience in leadership, business operations, and grant-making, Laura is a social impact professional dedicated to making the clinical setting more human. She joins host Gwen Hassan to define and differentiate between human trafficking and modern slavery, and discuss GFEMS’ data-based approach to ending both.


Fundamentally, modern slavery and human trafficking are about people with more power taking advantage of those with less for profit. Often, the victims have a minority status, usually ethnic, religious, or gender-based. Though modern slavery and human trafficking often intersect, they aren’t the same thing. Human trafficking is the recruitment, transfer, transportation, harboring or receipt of persons using force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of exploitation. Modern slavery is an umbrella term that covers multiple forms of exploitation, including human trafficking, forced labor, commercial sexual exploitation, and forced marriage. 


Whether the term ‘modern slavery’ is appropriate is a point of contention within the US. The reason it’s up for debate is due to the US’ own history of the transatlantic slave trade; for some, it’s an insult to equate recent forms of exploitation to the purchasing and ownership of African people as property. 


Resources

Laura Gauer Bermudez on LinkedIn | Twitter

Global Fund To End Modern Slavery


]]> 1316 no Impact of Modern Slavery on Climate Change with Jeff Bond, Part 2 Jeff Bond is the Director of Strategy and Design for the Global Fund To End Modern Slavery, an international fund that mobilizes resources, evidence and partnerships to end modern slavery. He is passionate about making a positive social and business impact, and has spent a great deal of time in other countries broadening his perspective. Jeff returns to Hidden Traffic to discuss how modern slavery drives climate change. If modern slavery were a country, it would be the third biggest source of carbon emissions in the world, after China and the US. This is because the industries and geographies that contribute the most to climate change use forced labor extensively, due to the increased vulnerability discussed in the last episode. Simply deciding to pull support from these industries will not be enough to end the issue of modern slavery, as it leaves behind more vulnerable people; people who can be easily manipulated by others seeking to make money off of them.  GFEMS is trying to strike the right balance of policies and enforcement to eradicate the conditions that power modern slavery, while still encouraging local growth and empowerment. To achieve this, however, many industries in particular need to undergo a complete overhaul of the way they do business.  Resources Jeff Bond on LinkedIn  Global Fund To End Modern Slavery Thu, 24 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 10 Gwen Hassan Jeff Bond, Director of Strategy and Design for the Global Fund To End Modern Slavery, returns to Hidden Traffic to discuss how modern slavery drives climate change. Jeff Bond is the Director of Strategy and Design for the Global Fund To End Modern Slavery, an international fund that mobilizes resources, evidence and partnerships to end modern slavery. He is passionate about making a positive social and business impact, and has spent a great deal of time in other countries broadening his perspective. Jeff returns to Hidden Traffic to discuss how modern slavery drives climate change. If modern slavery were a country, it would be the third biggest source of carbon emissions in the world, after China and the US. This is because the industries and geographies that contribute the most to climate change use forced labor extensively, due to the increased vulnerability discussed in the last episode. Simply deciding to pull support from these industries will not be enough to end the issue of modern slavery, as it leaves behind more vulnerable people; people who can be easily manipulated by others seeking to make money off of them.  GFEMS is trying to strike the right balance of policies and enforcement to eradicate the conditions that power modern slavery, while still encouraging local growth and empowerment. To achieve this, however, many industries in particular need to undergo a complete overhaul of the way they do business.  Resources Jeff Bond on LinkedIn  Global Fund To End Modern Slavery Jeff Bond is the Director of Strategy and Design for the Global Fund To End Modern Slavery, an international fund that mobilizes resources, evidence and partnerships to end modern slavery. He is passionate about making a positive social and business impact, and has spent a great deal of time in other countries broadening his perspective. Jeff returns to Hidden Traffic to discuss how modern slavery drives climate change.


If modern slavery were a country, it would be the third biggest source of carbon emissions in the world, after China and the US. This is because the industries and geographies that contribute the most to climate change use forced labor extensively, due to the increased vulnerability discussed in the last episode. Simply deciding to pull support from these industries will not be enough to end the issue of modern slavery, as it leaves behind more vulnerable people; people who can be easily manipulated by others seeking to make money off of them. 


GFEMS is trying to strike the right balance of policies and enforcement to eradicate the conditions that power modern slavery, while still encouraging local growth and empowerment. To achieve this, however, many industries in particular need to undergo a complete overhaul of the way they do business. 


Resources

Jeff Bond on LinkedIn 

Global Fund To End Modern Slavery


]]> 917 no Impact of Climate Change on Modern Slavery with Jeff Bond, Part 1 Jeff Bond is the Director of Strategy and Design for the Global Fund To End Modern Slavery, an international fund that mobilizes resources, evidence and partnerships to end modern slavery. He is passionate about making a positive social and business impact, and has spent a great deal of time in other countries broadening his perspective. Jeff and host Gwen Hassan discuss how the effects of climate change impact modern slavery around the world.   There are two broad ways in which climate change drives modern slavery: increased vulnerability and forced labor. Populations that are disproportionately affected by climate change in the way of floods, landslips, and a lack of water become more vulnerable to modern slavery. As for forced labor, this primarily occurs in the realm of clean energy supply chains. The technological solutions that will be critical in addressing climate change have issues related to exploitation. Cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, nickel mining in Guatemala, and solar panels in China are just a few examples. Legislation such as Germany's Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and the Forced Labor Prevention Act in the US are coming into effect to challenge this.  Climate change, human trafficking, and modern slavery are intricately connected, and they cannot be separated from each other. They are connected to various corporate relationships, and so it's very important for companies to remember the moral obligations they have to their workers. Companies have to make sure that they're operating ethically and not facilitating modern slavery.  Resources Jeff Bond on LinkedIn  Global Fund To End Modern Slavery Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 9 Gwen Hassan Jeff Bond, Director of Strategy and Design for the Global Fund To End Modern Slavery, and Gwen Hassan discuss how the effects of climate change impact modern slavery around the world. Jeff Bond is the Director of Strategy and Design for the Global Fund To End Modern Slavery, an international fund that mobilizes resources, evidence and partnerships to end modern slavery. He is passionate about making a positive social and business impact, and has spent a great deal of time in other countries broadening his perspective. Jeff and host Gwen Hassan discuss how the effects of climate change impact modern slavery around the world.   There are two broad ways in which climate change drives modern slavery: increased vulnerability and forced labor. Populations that are disproportionately affected by climate change in the way of floods, landslips, and a lack of water become more vulnerable to modern slavery. As for forced labor, this primarily occurs in the realm of clean energy supply chains. The technological solutions that will be critical in addressing climate change have issues related to exploitation. Cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, nickel mining in Guatemala, and solar panels in China are just a few examples. Legislation such as Germany's Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and the Forced Labor Prevention Act in the US are coming into effect to challenge this.  Climate change, human trafficking, and modern slavery are intricately connected, and they cannot be separated from each other. They are connected to various corporate relationships, and so it's very important for companies to remember the moral obligations they have to their workers. Companies have to make sure that they're operating ethically and not facilitating modern slavery.  Resources Jeff Bond on LinkedIn  Global Fund To End Modern Slavery Jeff Bond is the Director of Strategy and Design for the Global Fund To End Modern Slavery, an international fund that mobilizes resources, evidence and partnerships to end modern slavery. He is passionate about making a positive social and business impact, and has spent a great deal of time in other countries broadening his perspective. Jeff and host Gwen Hassan discuss how the effects of climate change impact modern slavery around the world.  


There are two broad ways in which climate change drives modern slavery: increased vulnerability and forced labor. Populations that are disproportionately affected by climate change in the way of floods, landslips, and a lack of water become more vulnerable to modern slavery. As for forced labor, this primarily occurs in the realm of clean energy supply chains. The technological solutions that will be critical in addressing climate change have issues related to exploitation. Cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo, nickel mining in Guatemala, and solar panels in China are just a few examples. Legislation such as Germany's Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and the Forced Labor Prevention Act in the US are coming into effect to challenge this. 


Climate change, human trafficking, and modern slavery are intricately connected, and they cannot be separated from each other. They are connected to various corporate relationships, and so it's very important for companies to remember the moral obligations they have to their workers. Companies have to make sure that they're operating ethically and not facilitating modern slavery. 


Resources

Jeff Bond on LinkedIn 

Global Fund To End Modern Slavery


]]> 1445 no Immigration and Human Trafficking with Jean Bruggeman Jean Bruggeman is Executive Director at Freedom Network USA, an organization with over a decade of leadership in supporting providers of direct services to survivors of human trafficking in the United States. She is a highly effective leader with 20 years of management experience in the non-profit legal and social services sector. She discusses the shortcomings of the immigration system and how it affects human trafficking, and what human trafficking looks like in the US. In the case of domestic violence against an immigrant spouse, the traditional system is biased towards the abuser if they are a US citizen. They are essentially “handed another weapon in their arsenal to abuse and exploit their spouse,” as they can use their partner’s immigration status as a tool of power over them. There is now a law under the Violence Against Women Act that allows immigrant women to apply for their own visas, therefore taking the control away from their spouses. Human trafficking is not about a few bad apples, Jean shares. Freedom Network is pulling out all the stops to get at the systemic issues of policy choices and immigrations systems that don’t protect or empower workers, and the racist, misogynistic history in US laws that put people at risk of being victimized.  Resources Jean Bruggeman on LinkedIn Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 7 Gwen Hassan Jean Bruggeman is Executive Director at Freedom Network USA, an organization with over a decade of leadership in supporting providers of direct services to survivors of human trafficking in the United States. Jean Bruggeman is Executive Director at Freedom Network USA, an organization with over a decade of leadership in supporting providers of direct services to survivors of human trafficking in the United States. She is a highly effective leader with 20 years of management experience in the non-profit legal and social services sector. She discusses the shortcomings of the immigration system and how it affects human trafficking, and what human trafficking looks like in the US. In the case of domestic violence against an immigrant spouse, the traditional system is biased towards the abuser if they are a US citizen. They are essentially “handed another weapon in their arsenal to abuse and exploit their spouse,” as they can use their partner’s immigration status as a tool of power over them. There is now a law under the Violence Against Women Act that allows immigrant women to apply for their own visas, therefore taking the control away from their spouses. Human trafficking is not about a few bad apples, Jean shares. Freedom Network is pulling out all the stops to get at the systemic issues of policy choices and immigrations systems that don’t protect or empower workers, and the racist, misogynistic history in US laws that put people at risk of being victimized.  Resources Jean Bruggeman on LinkedIn Jean Bruggeman is Executive Director at Freedom Network USA, an organization with over a decade of leadership in supporting providers of direct services to survivors of human trafficking in the United States. She is a highly effective leader with 20 years of management experience in the non-profit legal and social services sector. She discusses the shortcomings of the immigration system and how it affects human trafficking, and what human trafficking looks like in the US.


In the case of domestic violence against an immigrant spouse, the traditional system is biased towards the abuser if they are a US citizen. They are essentially “handed another weapon in their arsenal to abuse and exploit their spouse,” as they can use their partner’s immigration status as a tool of power over them. There is now a law under the Violence Against Women Act that allows immigrant women to apply for their own visas, therefore taking the control away from their spouses.


Human trafficking is not about a few bad apples, Jean shares. Freedom Network is pulling out all the stops to get at the systemic issues of policy choices and immigrations systems that don’t protect or empower workers, and the racist, misogynistic history in US laws that put people at risk of being victimized. 


Resources

Jean Bruggeman on LinkedIn

]]> 2019 no A Global Effort to End Modern Slavery with Irene Kaushansky Irene Kaushansky is Associate Director for Compliance and Operational Integrity at Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS). She has over 15 years of international experience developing and implementing programs for compliance and ethics, risk mitigation, and crisis management and investigations. She discusses GFEMS’ contribution to the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. GFEMS' mission is to bring donors together and coordinate globally to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking. Most anti-slavery work is narrowly focused on interventions that are tied to the purpose of the organizations, and these entities do not collaborate effectively. GFEMS was conceived by leaders who recognized that greater resources and coordinated global action was necessary to make real progress in ending modern slavery. One of the ways that GFEMS is addressing forced labor and exploitation along supply chains is through private sector engagement. They are developing innovative tools to help private sector businesses build and maintain supply chains that are free from exploitation. These tools also support the private sector to comply with regulations to meet rising consumer demand for ethically sourced products, and ultimately to protect workers from being exploited. Resources Irene Kaushansky on LinkedIn  Thu, 13 Jan 2022 05:01:00 -0000 full 6 Gwen Hassan Irene Kaushansky is Associate Director for Compliance and Operational Integrity at Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS). She discusses GFEMS’ contribution to the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking with Gwen Hassan. Irene Kaushansky is Associate Director for Compliance and Operational Integrity at Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS). She has over 15 years of international experience developing and implementing programs for compliance and ethics, risk mitigation, and crisis management and investigations. She discusses GFEMS’ contribution to the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. GFEMS' mission is to bring donors together and coordinate globally to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking. Most anti-slavery work is narrowly focused on interventions that are tied to the purpose of the organizations, and these entities do not collaborate effectively. GFEMS was conceived by leaders who recognized that greater resources and coordinated global action was necessary to make real progress in ending modern slavery. One of the ways that GFEMS is addressing forced labor and exploitation along supply chains is through private sector engagement. They are developing innovative tools to help private sector businesses build and maintain supply chains that are free from exploitation. These tools also support the private sector to comply with regulations to meet rising consumer demand for ethically sourced products, and ultimately to protect workers from being exploited. Resources Irene Kaushansky on LinkedIn  Irene Kaushansky is Associate Director for Compliance and Operational Integrity at Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS). She has over 15 years of international experience developing and implementing programs for compliance and ethics, risk mitigation, and crisis management and investigations. She discusses GFEMS’ contribution to the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.


GFEMS' mission is to bring donors together and coordinate globally to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking. Most anti-slavery work is narrowly focused on interventions that are tied to the purpose of the organizations, and these entities do not collaborate effectively. GFEMS was conceived by leaders who recognized that greater resources and coordinated global action was necessary to make real progress in ending modern slavery.


One of the ways that GFEMS is addressing forced labor and exploitation along supply chains is through private sector engagement. They are developing innovative tools to help private sector businesses build and maintain supply chains that are free from exploitation. These tools also support the private sector to comply with regulations to meet rising consumer demand for ethically sourced products, and ultimately to protect workers from being exploited.


Resources

Irene Kaushansky on LinkedIn 

]]> 1584 no How Unseen UK is Tackling Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery with Andrew Wallis Andrew Wallis is CEO at Unseen UK, a charity dedicated to eradicating modern slavery wherever it is found, and bringing safety, hope, and choice to the survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. Andrew is a member of several boards for organizations that seek to end labor abuse, advocate for human rights and social justice, and enforce ESG. He discusses how Unseen is fighting modern slavery, and how leaders can do their part. Unseen works with all the major statutory agencies to assist victims of human trafficking and slavery that are identified within the UK. They help paramedics and local government develop a more victim-based approach, tackle forced labor within business’ supply chains, and run the UK’s modern slavery helpline, which is a fully manned, 24/7 operation. The helpline receives calls from victims, concerned members of the public, police officers, and businesses. It’s critical that the call handlers understand the need for the victims’ confidentiality, as well as the legislation necessary to extricate them from their circumstances. “There isn’t an industry sector or country that isn’t impacted by the issue of human trafficking,” Andrew claims. “I’ve stood in many conferences and told them that I wasn’t there to make them feel guilty; we’re all guilty. [We need to] get over [the guilt], and start thinking about how we’re going to get out of the mess we’ve built.” Resources Andrew Wallis on LinkedIn | Twitter UnseenUK.org ModernSlaveryHelpline.org Thu, 16 Dec 2021 05:01:00 -0000 full 5 Gwen Hassan Andrew Wallis, CEO at Unseen UK, discusses with Gwen Hassan how Unseen is fighting modern slavery, and how leaders can do their part. Andrew Wallis is CEO at Unseen UK, a charity dedicated to eradicating modern slavery wherever it is found, and bringing safety, hope, and choice to the survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. Andrew is a member of several boards for organizations that seek to end labor abuse, advocate for human rights and social justice, and enforce ESG. He discusses how Unseen is fighting modern slavery, and how leaders can do their part. Unseen works with all the major statutory agencies to assist victims of human trafficking and slavery that are identified within the UK. They help paramedics and local government develop a more victim-based approach, tackle forced labor within business’ supply chains, and run the UK’s modern slavery helpline, which is a fully manned, 24/7 operation. The helpline receives calls from victims, concerned members of the public, police officers, and businesses. It’s critical that the call handlers understand the need for the victims’ confidentiality, as well as the legislation necessary to extricate them from their circumstances. “There isn’t an industry sector or country that isn’t impacted by the issue of human trafficking,” Andrew claims. “I’ve stood in many conferences and told them that I wasn’t there to make them feel guilty; we’re all guilty. [We need to] get over [the guilt], and start thinking about how we’re going to get out of the mess we’ve built.” Resources Andrew Wallis on LinkedIn | Twitter UnseenUK.org ModernSlaveryHelpline.org Andrew Wallis is CEO at Unseen UK, a charity dedicated to eradicating modern slavery wherever it is found, and bringing safety, hope, and choice to the survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. Andrew is a member of several boards for organizations that seek to end labor abuse, advocate for human rights and social justice, and enforce ESG. He discusses how Unseen is fighting modern slavery, and how leaders can do their part.


Unseen works with all the major statutory agencies to assist victims of human trafficking and slavery that are identified within the UK. They help paramedics and local government develop a more victim-based approach, tackle forced labor within business’ supply chains, and run the UK’s modern slavery helpline, which is a fully manned, 24/7 operation. The helpline receives calls from victims, concerned members of the public, police officers, and businesses. It’s critical that the call handlers understand the need for the victims’ confidentiality, as well as the legislation necessary to extricate them from their circumstances.


“There isn’t an industry sector or country that isn’t impacted by the issue of human trafficking,” Andrew claims. “I’ve stood in many conferences and told them that I wasn’t there to make them feel guilty; we’re all guilty. [We need to] get over [the guilt], and start thinking about how we’re going to get out of the mess we’ve built.”


Resources

Andrew Wallis on LinkedIn | Twitter

UnseenUK.org

ModernSlaveryHelpline.org

]]> 1753 no How Import and Export Compliance Is Fighting Forced Labor with Mollie Sitkowski Mollie Sitkowski is Trade Compliance Counsel at Faegre Drinker, where she handles import and export control and compliance work on behalf of the firm's clients. She has assisted numerous clients in developing and implementing import and export compliance programs, and offers continued training to the business areas that touch on import and export compliance. She discusses how import and export compliance intersects with human trafficking. Customs has the authority to issue a WRO (withhold-release-order) if they have information that reasonably indicates that goods were made, either in part or in full, with forced labor. The goods are detained until you can prove otherwise. The vast majority of forced labor detentions are done under WROs, Mollie says. You have to provide two things required by the regulations within 90 days or you can choose to export. However, customs has escalated so much that it is difficult to acquire all the necessary data within 90 days, unless you already have a good compliance program and good auditing in place. “To require you to have mapped out your entire trade flow and be able to provide that kind of detail all the way through the chain; I think that's something that hopefully will really be an impediment to trafficking over the long run,” Gwen shares. Resources Mollie Sitkowski on LinkedIn | Twitter Thu, 02 Dec 2021 05:01:00 -0000 full 4 Gwen Hassan Mollie Sitkowski, Trade Compliance Counsel at Faegre Drinker, joins Gwen Hassan to discuss how import and export compliance intersects with human trafficking. Mollie Sitkowski is Trade Compliance Counsel at Faegre Drinker, where she handles import and export control and compliance work on behalf of the firm's clients. She has assisted numerous clients in developing and implementing import and export compliance programs, and offers continued training to the business areas that touch on import and export compliance. She discusses how import and export compliance intersects with human trafficking. Customs has the authority to issue a WRO (withhold-release-order) if they have information that reasonably indicates that goods were made, either in part or in full, with forced labor. The goods are detained until you can prove otherwise. The vast majority of forced labor detentions are done under WROs, Mollie says. You have to provide two things required by the regulations within 90 days or you can choose to export. However, customs has escalated so much that it is difficult to acquire all the necessary data within 90 days, unless you already have a good compliance program and good auditing in place. “To require you to have mapped out your entire trade flow and be able to provide that kind of detail all the way through the chain; I think that's something that hopefully will really be an impediment to trafficking over the long run,” Gwen shares. Resources Mollie Sitkowski on LinkedIn | Twitter Mollie Sitkowski is Trade Compliance Counsel at Faegre Drinker, where she handles import and export control and compliance work on behalf of the firm's clients. She has assisted numerous clients in developing and implementing import and export compliance programs, and offers continued training to the business areas that touch on import and export compliance. She discusses how import and export compliance intersects with human trafficking.


Customs has the authority to issue a WRO (withhold-release-order) if they have information that reasonably indicates that goods were made, either in part or in full, with forced labor. The goods are detained until you can prove otherwise. The vast majority of forced labor detentions are done under WROs, Mollie says. You have to provide two things required by the regulations within 90 days or you can choose to export. However, customs has escalated so much that it is difficult to acquire all the necessary data within 90 days, unless you already have a good compliance program and good auditing in place.


“To require you to have mapped out your entire trade flow and be able to provide that kind of detail all the way through the chain; I think that's something that hopefully will really be an impediment to trafficking over the long run,” Gwen shares.


Resources

Mollie Sitkowski on LinkedIn | Twitter

]]> 1371 no How Anti-Human-Trafficking Programs Supplement CSR and ESG with Aaron Kahler Aaron Kahler is founder and Chief Executive of The Anti-Human-Trafficking Intelligence Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to the worldwide fight to abolish modern slavery related to labor and sex trafficking. He is also a contributing member of Cryptocurrency Compliance Cooperative. He discusses how ATII works and gives insights about incorporating their programs into a company’s CSR and ESG. The Anti-Human-Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (ATII) is focused on bringing anti-human trafficking programs to organizations such as financial institutions, commercial organizations, other NGOs, and businesses. ATII encourages these organizations to practice corporate social responsibility and think about environmental and social governance. They also have a unique focus on compliance and financial crimes due to Aaron’s background. Standards are being set higher not just on the financial and regulation level, but also from new generations of society and young individuals with influence. They want to know before investments are made that companies are standing for something or meeting certain requirements. Resources Aaron Kahler on LinkedIn | Twitter FollowMoneyFightSlavery.org Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:01:00 -0000 full 3 Gwen Hassan Aaron Kahler, founder and Chief Executive of The Anti-Human-Trafficking Intelligence Initiative, and Gwen Hassan discuss how ATII works and gives insights about incorporating their programs into a company’s CSR and ESG. Aaron Kahler is founder and Chief Executive of The Anti-Human-Trafficking Intelligence Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to the worldwide fight to abolish modern slavery related to labor and sex trafficking. He is also a contributing member of Cryptocurrency Compliance Cooperative. He discusses how ATII works and gives insights about incorporating their programs into a company’s CSR and ESG. The Anti-Human-Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (ATII) is focused on bringing anti-human trafficking programs to organizations such as financial institutions, commercial organizations, other NGOs, and businesses. ATII encourages these organizations to practice corporate social responsibility and think about environmental and social governance. They also have a unique focus on compliance and financial crimes due to Aaron’s background. Standards are being set higher not just on the financial and regulation level, but also from new generations of society and young individuals with influence. They want to know before investments are made that companies are standing for something or meeting certain requirements. Resources Aaron Kahler on LinkedIn | Twitter FollowMoneyFightSlavery.org Aaron Kahler is founder and Chief Executive of The Anti-Human-Trafficking Intelligence Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to the worldwide fight to abolish modern slavery related to labor and sex trafficking. He is also a contributing member of Cryptocurrency Compliance Cooperative. He discusses how ATII works and gives insights about incorporating their programs into a company’s CSR and ESG.


The Anti-Human-Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (ATII) is focused on bringing anti-human trafficking programs to organizations such as financial institutions, commercial organizations, other NGOs, and businesses. ATII encourages these organizations to practice corporate social responsibility and think about environmental and social governance. They also have a unique focus on compliance and financial crimes due to Aaron’s background.


Standards are being set higher not just on the financial and regulation level, but also from new generations of society and young individuals with influence. They want to know before investments are made that companies are standing for something or meeting certain requirements.


Resources

Aaron Kahler on LinkedIn | Twitter

FollowMoneyFightSlavery.org


]]> 1594 no Fighting Against Modern Slavery with Matt Friedman Human trafficking doesn't always take the form we first imagine - it can be found at almost any level of an organization's supply chain. In the Hidden Traffic podcast, host Gwen Hassan helps compliance professionals assess human trafficking risk and leverage their organization’s resources to root out this tragic problem.  Matt Friedman joins Hidden Traffic as the first guest. He is a global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking, and the founder and CEO of The Mekong Club, where he regularly advises heads of governments and intelligence agencies. Matt is considered by captains of industry to be the leading catalyst of the anti-slavery movement in Asia’s business sector. He shares how The Mekong Club helps companies protect themselves and avoid risk. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) came about as a form of self-regulation for organizations to contribute positively to their surrounding communities, but the intended overall objective has not yet been achieved, Matt says. Nowadays, organizations often use CSR as a smokescreen to hide questionable and sometimes unethical practices.  Resources Matt Friedman on LinkedIn TheMekongClub.org Thu, 04 Nov 2021 04:01:00 -0000 full 2 Gwen Hassan Matt Friedman, global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking, joins Gwen Hassan as the Hidden Traffic podcast's first guest. Human trafficking doesn't always take the form we first imagine - it can be found at almost any level of an organization's supply chain. In the Hidden Traffic podcast, host Gwen Hassan helps compliance professionals assess human trafficking risk and leverage their organization’s resources to root out this tragic problem.  Matt Friedman joins Hidden Traffic as the first guest. He is a global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking, and the founder and CEO of The Mekong Club, where he regularly advises heads of governments and intelligence agencies. Matt is considered by captains of industry to be the leading catalyst of the anti-slavery movement in Asia’s business sector. He shares how The Mekong Club helps companies protect themselves and avoid risk. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) came about as a form of self-regulation for organizations to contribute positively to their surrounding communities, but the intended overall objective has not yet been achieved, Matt says. Nowadays, organizations often use CSR as a smokescreen to hide questionable and sometimes unethical practices.  Resources Matt Friedman on LinkedIn TheMekongClub.org Human trafficking doesn't always take the form we first imagine - it can be found at almost any level of an organization's supply chain. In the Hidden Traffic podcast, host Gwen Hassan helps compliance professionals assess human trafficking risk and leverage their organization’s resources to root out this tragic problem. 


Matt Friedman joins Hidden Traffic as the first guest. He is a global expert on modern slavery and human trafficking, and the founder and CEO of The Mekong Club, where he regularly advises heads of governments and intelligence agencies. Matt is considered by captains of industry to be the leading catalyst of the anti-slavery movement in Asia’s business sector. He shares how The Mekong Club helps companies protect themselves and avoid risk.


Corporate social responsibility (CSR) came about as a form of self-regulation for organizations to contribute positively to their surrounding communities, but the intended overall objective has not yet been achieved, Matt says. Nowadays, organizations often use CSR as a smokescreen to hide questionable and sometimes unethical practices. 


Resources

Matt Friedman on LinkedIn

TheMekongClub.org

]]> 1686 no Welcome to Hidden Traffic with Gwen Hassan In this introductory episode, Gwen Hassan shares how she developed a passion for exposing human trafficking within supply chains. The Hidden Traffic podcast will educate, enlighten, and equip the compliance professional to understand what human trafficking is, the risks your organization will face, where it happens, and what you can do to combat it. Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:02:26 -0000 full 1 Gwen Hassan In this introductory episode, Gwen Hassan shares how she developed a passion for exposing human trafficking within supply chains and how this podcast will aid the compliance professional in addressing this tragedy. In this introductory episode, Gwen Hassan shares how she developed a passion for exposing human trafficking within supply chains. The Hidden Traffic podcast will educate, enlighten, and equip the compliance professional to understand what human trafficking is, the risks your organization will face, where it happens, and what you can do to combat it. In this introductory episode, Gwen Hassan shares how she developed a passion for exposing human trafficking within supply chains. The Hidden Traffic podcast will educate, enlighten, and equip the compliance professional to understand what human trafficking is, the risks your organization will face, where it happens, and what you can do to combat it.

]]> 363 no