The statement made in response to the report estimating new rates of modern slavery.
The International Labor Organization released their updated “Global Estimates of Modern Slavery” earlier this month, in which they estimated that 12.9 million men, 11.8 million women, and 3.3 million children are currently forced to labor without compensation. Fourteen percent of those are enslaved through state sponsorship, with the rest being held by private individuals and companies. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai joined Japanese and European leaders last week in a joint statement in response to this information.
The Trade and Labor leaders wrote, “Acknowledging that a majority of forced labor involves the private sector, we will continue working towards enhancing clarity and predictability for businesses by clearly communicating their responsibilities in addressing forced labor in global supply chains and encouraging stronger action by them.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Secretary Walsh as he collaborates with foreign labor ministers regarding modern slavery.
- For Labor Department officials as they assess the potential for instances of slave labor in the U.S.
- For those who are being trafficked or enslaved and forced to work without compensation.
Sources: Department of Labor
