THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human trafficking is a complex phenomenon and may be seen from different perspectives, such as human rights, migration, security and law-enforcement, social and labour, as well as economic. From the economic perspective, human trafficking is governed by the laws of supply and demand. Due to the low costs and huge profits it has become one of the most profitable illicit industries worldwide generating tremendous profits, of over an estimated US$ 31 billion per year. Human trafficking deeply affects economic relations. As an illegitimate form of business, it negatively impacts the functioning of the legitimate business sector and puts the development of sound economic systems into danger. It is a ground where corruptive practices and money laundering proliferate.

The business community is a critical partner in helping eliminate human trafficking. In fact, there is a lot at stake for legitimate business if human trafficking continues to flourish. Most anti-trafficking initiatives have been undertaken by governments and non-governmental organisations, but very few programmes have engaged the business sector and harnessed their global reach and connections so far. Examples of programmes aimed at more responsible business conduct upholding human rights include the Global Compact launched by the United Nations Secretary General in 1999 and the public-private partnership initiated by the Organization for the Security and Co-operation in Europe.

The End Human Trafficking Now! Campaign is the first worldwide initiative that places the business community in the forefront of anti-trafficking efforts.

Every company has the potential to contribute to elimination of human trafficking. There are many options of implementation of anti-trafficking policies within a company. Companies can elaborate specific self-regulatory measures, such as codes of conduct and pro-active policies which are adapted to their activities. Some specific initiatives may be undertaken by companies according to their sphere of operation. For example, the hospitality industry could have the capacity for developing high-profile campaigns against human trafficking. Companies within this sector may provide information to travellers by means of catalogues, brochures, in-flight films, ticket-slips etc. Travel operators may help to prevent human trafficking by checking the identity of passengers and alerting border officials of suspicious cases. The same would apply to job placement agencies. Hotels and entertainment facilities should exercise constant vigilance as the hidden exploitation of trafficked persons may take place in such facilities. The banking sector can be helpful in tracing the financial transactions of the traffickers. And the media could be an important channel of awareness-raising. Such examples are but a few illustrations of the potential of the business sector in implementing anti-trafficking initiatives.

Cashing in on the multiplier effect will increase the effectiveness of anti-trafficking measures. In today’s global economy, the combined effort of committed members of the business community can serve to combat the problem internationally. Businesses can leverage available resources and existing alliances and build on efforts that promote awareness-raising among employees, partners, supporters and other shareholders of the company. This in turn, can promote further cooperation for the anti-trafficking efforts with partner organizations and their staff and serve to have a multiplier effect. Further, businesses can take a tough stance against trafficking by signing on to the Athens Ethical Principles, thus making all they come in contact with, aware of their zero tolerance approach to any sort of human trafficking. 

There are significant gains for the companies in joining the anti-trafficking campaign. The experience of many corporations in the past years suggest that the commitment to ethical business brings significant gains to companies. Similarly, the commitment to an anti-trafficking policy could ensure the safe operation of the company and the irreproachable conduct of its personnel at all levels, thus guaranteeing the highest distinction of its corporate image. Moreover, it would build trust and develop good working relations, especially contacts between multinationals and local communities. It also creates within its staff a feeling of pride in being a part of a company that adheres to principles and values that protect the dignity of the human being. Importantly, a company’s responsible behaviour could also ultimately contribute to the maintenance of a sound economic environment.

The Athens Ethical Principles contain seven main values. Their implementation by business companies will contribute to the eradication of human trafficking worldwide.