States Act to Address Global Slavery and Human Trafficking

Product Safety is not just about what happens to a product in the hands of our children.  It also includes the safety of the lives of those who produced it.  So often our toys and learning materials are produced in other countries, and sadly the laws in many of those countries do not protect child or the poor from child labor or human slavery and trafficking.  My heart was opened to this disgracing truth many years ago during a humanitarian visit to Sri Lanka, and subsequent discussions with a dear friend who fights sexual trafficking of young girls in Thailand, India and Vietnam.  Every year, billions of dollars in profits are generated by victimizing millions of people around the world. Human trafficking is considered to be one of the fastest growing criminal commercial activities in the world.

The California Transparency in Supply Chains Act of 2010 is one state’s attempt to address the global problem of slavery and human trafficking.  The State of California is often battered with complaints about how its restrictive laws and regulations make it so difficult for businesses to thrive.  This new requirement is likely to have a good share of opponents as well.   I, for one, applaud the attempt to take a stand against this all too well-disguised evil. It is one way to shine a light on a practice that many simply have not wanted to recognize.  Evaluating my own personal “supply chain” may have to be adjusted, and that means that I may make different decisions about where I go to purchase that cup of coffee, pair of shoes or new nightgown.   It allows me to be one step closer to knowing that I am not contributing to the harm of a young child or indentured slave. I am pleased to know that many other state and federal legislation is addressing this issue with vigor.


Here are some brief details about this new law that becomes enforceable on January 1, 2012.

§  Applies to retailers and manufacturers with annual worldwide gross receipts of $100,000,000 or more.

§  Requires that retailers and manufacturers doing business in the State of California provide consumers with information about their efforts to eradicate slavery and human trafficking (SHT) from their supply chains

§  The disclosure to be posted on manufacturer/retailer's Internet Website, or otherwise made available to the consumer within 30 days of request.

In this “disclosure” manufacturers/retailers must explain how they are vetting their suppliers for compliance with their policies on Slave and Human Trafficking; how they maintain vendor accountability throughout the year,; and what SHT risk-reduction training they provide to employees involved with selection of suppliers.


For more information on Child Slavery and Human Trafficking, check out some of my favorite humanitarian groups that are on the ground every day working to eliminate this practice.   Might I suggest that if their work touches your heart, why not see how you might contribute toward their efforts.  

International Justice Mission 

Children of Grace 

Polaris Project 

Finding Freedom                   

Not For Sale

isanctuary   

Trade as One