Corporate Responsibility in Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking - CREST

Over 60% of the total 40 million victims of modern slavery are found in the Asia-Pacific region, while 16% of the total number are employed in the private sector. According to estimates by Walk Free Foundation, ILO, and IOM, migrant workers make up almost 25 per cent. Many migrant workers in supply chain are highly vulnerable to poor working conditions, abuse and exploitation, in the worst case, human trafficking and forced labour. 

Increasingly, companies are under pressure to demonstrate that the goods and services they produce are free from slavery and human trafficking. Failure to do so can lead to reputational damage, financial loses, and possible legal action. Conversely, proactive approaches to ethical recruitment and supply chain management can lead to a stronger and more motivated workforce, and facilitate better recruitment of migrant workers.

IOM’s Corporate Responsibility in Eliminating Slavery and Trafficking (CREST) is three-pillar programme designed to help companies and their suppliers uphold the labour and human rights of workers, particularly migrant workers in their operations and supply chain.

1. Training for the private sector on human trafficking and modern slavery
2. Pre-Employment and post arrival orientation training for migrant workers
3. Support to companies with labour supply chain mapping and ethical recruitment