Global slavery is our problem too

It is estimated that more than 40 million people around the world are enslaved, an appalling number that may even be an underestimate. Slavery is a product of repressive or indifferent governments, restrictive societies and conflict-torn countries.

It is generally believed that slavery is a problem for developing countries when in fact an equally important, and typically overlooked, factor is the readiness of developed world consumers to turn a blind eye to the conditions under which the products they buy are made. A spotlight on slavery and a new understanding of global supply chains can help address this problem and, with hard work, be reduced if not eliminated.

Walk Free Foundation, an Australian non-profit organisation that produces an annual Global Slavery Index, estimates that developed countries import $350 billion worth of goods that are produced under suspicious circumstances.

As Andrew Forrest, co-founder of Walk Free, argues: ‘‘Modern slavery is a first-world problem. We are the consumers. We can fix it.’’ The index makes clear that slavery is not ‘‘someone else’s problem’’.

We are all connected to the trade and we must be alert to the ways in which we enable and encourage this appalling practice. Supply chain transparency is a critical step in this process. Consumer awareness is as well.