Prior to the launch of the HRC, members have been long committed to promoting decent working conditions worldwide but recognise the eradication of forced labour remains a key challenge. This journey began in 2015 with CGF members coming together to drive collaboration globally and thereby address forced labour as one of the most pressing social issues of our time. This commitment was confirmed with the announcement of a new, Board-approved Social Resolution on Forced Labour, the first industry commitment of its kind.
Following the publication of this resolution, the CGF introduced the Priority Industry Principles Against Forced Labour, which identify three of the most problematic, yet often common, employment practices across the world that can lead to cases of forced labour. The CGF also issued a Business Call to Action in 2018 urging all businesses around the world to play their part in the fight to end all forms of forced labour in a speech from former CEO of Mars, Incorporated, Grant F. Reid, at the 2018 Global Forum on Responsible Recruitment and Employment.
Under the social sustainability pillar, CGF members initiated collaborations with several global organisations, such as the International Labour Organization, US Department of Labor, International Organization for Migration, Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) and its Leadership Group for Responsible Recruitment, Fair Labor Association, Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB), Responsible Labor Initiative, International Tourism Partnership, BTeam, Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Seafood Task Force, and the Responsible Business Alliance,
The CGF also coordinated several key dialogues in regions strongly impacted by forced labour, including a responsible operations and sourcing event in Bangkok with AIM-Progress & ELEVATE; the Global Forum on Responsible Recruitment and Employment in Singapore with IHRB; and several regional roundtables on responsible recruitment in Southeast Asia with IHRB and other key stakeholders, including one in Myanmar and two in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in 2017 and 2019.