In recent years, there has been a boom in information on human trafficking. Many businesses are now actively engaged in anti-human trafficking efforts: adopting corporate codes of conduct; developing sectoral agreements on issues such as child labor; and addressing problems within the supply chain, to name but a few initiatives. In spite of these efforts, there is still a need to address the issue more broadly.
A good practice award, designed to recognize the tireless work of business executives engaged in combating human trafficking, could serve as an incentive to greater innovation. Such an award would identify and reward those executives who have shown enthusiasm in and dedication to tackling human trafficking and who have made a significant impact on ensuring respect for the human rights of employees and community stakeholders alike.
A business leader’s award was first proposed in May 2008 at the World Economic Forum (WEF) session held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, by representatives of the international community; the proposal was seconded by the business community. This call was echoed in March 2009 at the Bahrain Conference, Human Trafficking at the Crossroads, which concluded with the Manama Declaration, advocating zero tolerance to human trafficking.
ABOUT THE AWARD
A biennial initiative, the Business Leader’s Award is jointly spearheaded by the End Human Trafficking Now campaign (EHTN), the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT), and the UN Global Compact. It is the first-ever award in history to honor a business executive for energy and commitment in tackling human trafficking. This international award was presented during the Luxor International Forum for the first time, by members of a Jury and the Vice-President of Chopard, author of the Trophy and designer of the Cannes Film Festival's Golden Palm (“Palme d'Or”).
The Award is intended to mark tangible achievement and to acknowledge the vision, creativity and contribution of business leaders in identifying, combating and preventing human trafficking. It highlights innovation in labor policies, supply chain management and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The Trophy is in the form of a glass sculpture of symbolic and artistic value, designed exclusively by luxury watch, jewellers, and accessories designer Chopard. This is accompanied by a certificate of commendation signed by the Jury members. In addition, the awardees benefit from enhanced visibility of their work, through a communication and promotion campaign coordinated by the partner organizations bestowing the award. Their work is also showcased in anti-human trafficking events and conferences around the world.
The granting of an international award results in significant public recognition and serves as an incentive to keep the business sector engaged in the fight against human trafficking. The principal objectives of the award program are to:
1. Encourage and stimulate the international business community to make the fight against human trafficking its business and to
challenge it to adopt ethical business standards;
2. Raise awareness among business leaders and employees on how to recognize human trafficking and act to stop it;
3. Set quality standards and benchmarks by showcasing and promoting some of the breakthroughs made by business leaders in
combating human trafficking; and
4. Create a responsive platform that acknowledges good practices and spurs action.
SECRETARIAT, JURY AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Oversight of the organizational, creative and strategic direction of the award program is by EHTN, UN.GIFT and the Global Compact, who also jointly provide support, technical expertise and specific products and services for the program’s development and sustainability. UN.GIFT and EHTN serve as the Secretariat of the award.
The Award Jury is composed of individuals of high moral stature with demonstrated commitment to the ideals of the United Nations and who have distinguished themselves in their respective careers.
The Jury functions as an independent body and is responsible for the selection of the winner(s) for each award cycle. The decisions taken by the Jury are final. For Jury members, click here.
An Advisory Committee supports the work of the Jury and the secretariat by providing advice and guidance on the development of the award program. The Advisory Committee is composed of experts representing a variety of sectors (international organizations, NGOs, foundations and corporations), who specialize in forced labor policies, supply chain management and corporate social responsibility. Click here.
WINNERS OF THE FIRST BUSINESS LEADER'S AWARD 2010
During the closing ceremony of the Luxor International Forum on 12 December 2010, the Jury announced its unanimous decision on the winners of the first-ever Business Leader’s Award to Fight Human Trafficking. In acknowledging the varied dimensions of human trafficking, the Jury took the decision to recognize 3 outstanding business leaders (see below, in alphabetical order). The Jury emphasized the leadership, vision, innovation, and collaborative approach displayed by these individuals and their initiatives. In particular, it also highlighted the global impact, comprehensiveness, and capacity to inspire others to replicate these or similar efforts.
The Jury selected Christopher Davis, International Campaigns Director for the Body Shop International, for his leadership in designing and implementing an innovative global social marketing campaign to inspire long lasting change and put a stop to sex trafficking of children and young people. The Jury was particularly impressed by the systematic nature and comprehensiveness of the campaign, which was developed based on sound research.
In 2009, under the leadership of Mr. Davis, the Body Shop launched a 3-year strategic campaign in partnership with End Child Prostitution Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT), a non-profit NGO. The campaign was the first of its kind between a major cosmetics company and an international network of local NGOs to combat human trafficking. So far, through the sale of “Soft Hands Kind Hearts” hand cream, Body Shop has raised more than 2 million USD for ECPAT to provide immediate relief to child victims of sex trafficking.
The campaign has also focused on creating long-term change through continued awareness-raising, public engagement and lobbying of decision makers. This includes the development of an innovative Country Progress Card to assess progress made by States in combating child sex trafficking across 43 countries. Mr. Davis’ efforts have also inspired Body Shop staff around the world to implement the campaign locally.
The Jury selected Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and former CEO of Carlson Companies, for her pioneering corporate responsibility work, leadership and advocacy for the protection of children from sexual exploitation and trafficking in the tourism sector. In 2004, under her leadership, Carlson Companies was the first major North American travel company to sign the Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct. Since then, she has spearheaded the implementation of the Code throughout the Carlson Companies – reaching staff and customers. Her advocacy efforts have also contributed to the Code’s success in motivating 950 companies in the tourism and travel sector to undertake child protection efforts.
Ms. Carlson Nelson’s advocacy has extended beyond her own sector, to the World Bank, World Economic Forum and other international fora, spreading the message that all can and must act to combat human trafficking.
The Jury selected Robert Rigby-Hall, Senior Vice President of LexisNexis, for his leadership and commitment to combating human trafficking. Over a period of years, he has put in place numerous anti-trafficking initiatives that address the wide spectrum of needs, from victim support to law enforcement.
Drawing on LexisNexis’ expertise, these initiatives truly demonstrate how companies can leverage their core strengths for maximum impact. Under Mr. Rigby-Hall’s leadership, in the area of investigation and legal prosecution of human trafficking, LexisNexis has created an online resource center for attorneys who work with human trafficking victims. The company has also collaborated with the American Bar Association to train lawyers on potential civil remedies for victims of human trafficking. In addition, LexisNexis has been instrumental in the efforts in the U.S. to adopt uniform and effective laws against human trafficking.
To raise awareness, LexisNexis has forged partnerships and supported the wide dissemination of films and documentaries on human trafficking among its stakeholders, including suppliers and clients. To support victims, LexisNexis has developed a national database of social service providers for the U.S. National Human Trafficking Resource Centre. They have also partnered with a leading anti-trafficking NGO in South East Asia on a shelter for victims. Within its own company and supply chain, LexisNexis has developed and implemented a Code of Conduct and engaged its own employees in pro-bono legal work in the anti-trafficking arena.
In addition to the three Awardees, the Jury also gave special commendation to the pioneering work of Tristan Forster, founder and CEO of FSI Worldwide, as well as to Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Brennan, co-founders and directors of Beulah London. The Jury was impressed by Mr. Foster’s innovative approach in tackling the serious and growing problem of trafficking for labor exploitation. The Jury also wished to encourage the inspiring efforts of Ms. Rufus Isaacs and Ms. Brennan in striving to promote sustainable livelihood for victims of human trafficking. For more information about these initiatives, click here.
EHTN hopes that the Business Leader’s Award to Fight Human Trafficking will continue to attract high quality nominations from across the globe. The call for nominations for the second award cycle (2011-12) will be officially announced later this year. However, for any questions or information on potential candidates, please contactinfo@businessleaderaward.org
