The UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) issued a new report calling for stronger anti-slavery laws. In their report the IASC recommends model legislation that would introduce major new requirements for UK companies. These include new offenses for failures to prevent human rights harms, a forced labor ban, and new reporting requirements. A recent Linklaters memo puts the report in context, stating:
“The new IASC report does come as part of a growing tide of calls for change. The House of Lords Select Committee on the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the UK Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights both made recommendations to overhaul the current regime and introduce some of the measures which are reflected in the IASC’s report. With the EU finally settling its own position on the CSDDD, there is also now no reason for the UK government to delay waiting on the outcome of the EU’s Omnibus discussions.”
Despite the recommendations of the IASC, the memo cautions that government uptake is likely to be slow at best. The recommended legislation is unlikely to be adopted as is; however, it is persuasive to UK lawmakers. With the EU’s CSDDD being finalized and the UK’s own Modern Slavery Act in need of amendments, we may see action on human rights legislation informed by the IASC’s proposals.
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