PARIS, 20th June 2017 – With 21 million victims of forced labour in the world today, members of The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) are actively promoting responsible business actions to help eradicate forced labour in global supply chains. Through the new CGF publication, Business Actions Against Forced Labour, members are showcasing best practices on how they are tackling forced labour. The case studies booklet includes stories on how CGF members are setting up new programmes, engaging in cross-sectoral collaboration and effectively implementing auditing schemes. Its forewords come from Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and John Ruggie, Professor at Harvard University and formed UN Special Representative for Business and Human Rights.
Members of The Consumer Goods Forum Share Real Stories on Business Actions Against Forced Labour in New Case Studies Booklet
The CGF is unique in that it is the only organisation bringing consumer goods retailers, manufacturers and service providers together globally, and this publication is another milestone in their commitment to eradicating forced labour and driving positive change globally. 12 member companies have contributed to the launch edition of the booklet and more are expected to be added in due course. The booklet is part of the CGF’s Social Sustainability work. Contributing members include:
- Marks and Spencer
- Mars Incorporated
- Metro Group
- Migros
- Nestlé S.A.
- Tesco
- The Coca-Cola Company
- The Colgate-Palmolive Company
- The Kellogg Company
- The Walt Disney Company
- Unilever
- Walmart
The booklet comes following other important milestones by the CGF and its members on forced labour. In January 2016, the CGF Board of Directors announced the first-ever industry commitment on forced labour. As an extension of this, in December 2016, the Board announced three Priority Industry Principles that can be used to stop cases that may lead to forced labour in supply chains. The Principles have already seen critical stakeholder support from governments, civil society and the private sector, with their practical, easy-to-follow approach being applauded. As part of a 2017 action plan, CGF members will take individual actions to mainstream the Principles with an initial focus in two supply chains of particular relevance to the industry: palm oil and seafood in Southeast Asia.
Forced labour is an endemic social problem, riddled throughout supply chains globally. A problem of this magnitude cannot be solved by one company or industry. Cross-sectoral collaboration and best practice sharing are essential pieces of the puzzle if there is to be a successful eradication of forced labour. This critical knowledge sharing can be achieved through initiatives like the Business Actions Against Forced Labour booklet and the upcoming Sustainable Retail Summit in October 2017 in Montreal, Canada.
Olaf Koch, Chairman of the Management Board METRO said, “Forced labour is a complex and deep rooted problem that cannot be solved without industry collaboration. Knowledge sharing is vital to implementing long-term solutions. The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) is committed to helping its members understand the challenge being faced and provides a unique, global platform that promotes best practice sharing. For METRO GROUP, compliance with social standards is an essential commitment. METRO GROUP is therefore proud to be part of The Consumer Goods Forum and its collaborative efforts to eradicate forced labour.”
Didier Bergeret, Social Sustainability Director, The Consumer Goods Forum said, “The Business Actions Against Forced Labour booklet showcases concrete practices led by CGF members to tackle forced labour in global supply chains. By bringing the industry together through activities and tools like this booklet, the CGF can help inspire corporate, governmental and civil society actors to collectively move towards a world that is free of this endemic social problem. The CGF looks forward to continuing to provide a platform for collective action and cross-sectoral cooperation as we all strive to eradicate forced labour once and for all.”
The booklet is the fifth case study booklet in a series produced by the CGF and its members, along with booklets on Refrigeration, Food Waste, Climate Change and Healthier Lives.
Visit our Business Actions Against Forced Labour booklet platform or go to www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/strategic-focus/social-sustainability to learn more about our social sustainability work.
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About The Consumer Goods Forum
The Consumer Goods Forum (“CGF”) is a global, parity-based industry network that is driven by its members to encourage the global adoption of practices and standards that serves the consumer goods industry worldwide. It brings together the CEOs and senior management of some 400 retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and other stakeholders across 70 countries, and it reflects the diversity of the industry in geography, size, product category and format. Its member companies have combined sales of EUR 3.5 trillion and directly employ nearly 10 million people, with a further 90 million related jobs estimated along the value chain. It is governed by its Board of Directors, which comprises more than 50 manufacturer and retailer CEOs. For more information, please visit: www.theconsumergoodsforum.com.
For further information, contact:
Lee Green
Director, Communications
The Consumer Goods Forum
l.green@theconsumergoodsforum