Now is the time to regain momentum and call on governments, business and people around the world to act.
When I presented the Call to Action to End Modern Slavery at the United Nations General Assembly in 2017 there was an international momentum focused on eradicating this, the greatest human rights issue facing the world. Today more and more people are becoming vulnerable to modern slavery, trafficking and forced labour due to a number of global challenges, including climate change and the war in Ukraine, yet at the same time I fear that modern slavery has fallen down the global political agenda.
Signing the Call to Action was the easy part. Acting on what is necessary to effect change as a result is much harder. That is why I brought together a Global Commission on modern slavery to reinvigorate the global leadership needed to address this issue internationally and to focus on those areas that can make most difference such as government legislation and business supply chains.
Such work can only be effective if it has the support of those working in the field and if it addresses the areas that need most action. I am grateful to all the organisations and experts who have given their time to further the work of the Commission.
I am also extremely grateful to all our Commissioners who have played such a vital role in enabling us to launch such a significant report, and who continue to support the Commission during our more challenging phase, implementation.
With vulnerability increasing and the eyes of the world on other issues, now is the time to regain momentum and call on governments, business and people around the world to act. I look forward to bringing such a Global Commission together and working with others around the globe who share my determination to eradicate modern slavery.”
Theresa May, Baroness May of Maidenhead served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2016-2019. She served as Home Secretary from 2010 - 2016. She was instrumental in introducing the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the first legislation of its kind which inspired other countries and states to follow with their own transparency laws.
