The Commission held its second stakeholder meeting in May which was attended by a wide range of representatives from governments, NGOs and academia.

The Commission held its second stakeholder meeting in May which was attended by a wide range of representatives from governments, NGOs and academia.

The Commission shared the latest on its three key workstreams:

• National implementation: The workstream will look at supporting effective legislation and enforcement across different countries. It will explore good practice, emerging approaches, and address barriers to implementation.

• Supply chains: This workstream will focus on tackling forced labour in supply chains including by examining global regulations, worker advocacy, and structural issues like living wages.

• Civil society in crisis situations: This workstream will engage civil society organisations to understand vulnerabilities and improve responses to modern slavery during emergencies. It involves research on risk factors and regional dynamics, along with engagement with international NGOs.

A panel of people with lived experience is being created to incorporate survivor perspectives into the Commission's work and recommendations.

Stakeholders at the Commission meeting provided valuable feedback, highlighting key areas for action:

• Accountability and focus: Participants stressed the importance of holding governments and businesses accountable for tackling modern slavery. They supported the Commission's aim to raise the issue up the political agenda.

• Collaboration is key: Bringing together organisations from public, private, and civil society sectors was seen as essential for fostering collaborative approaches to combat modern slavery. It was important for the Commission to work closely with the UN in particular.

• Actionable solutions: Stakeholders highlighted the need to translate policies into concrete actions that benefit victims. Suggestions included enforcing existing legislation and promoting economic empowerment for vulnerable populations.

There were presentations from Dawit Moges Alemu (Secretary General, Confederation of IGAD employers, East Africa); Nbau Nang Pu (Director, Htoi Gender and Development Foundation, Myanmar); Michele Ford (Professor, Discipline of Asian Studies, University of Sydney); and Bala Murugan (Founder, Tamil Nadu Alliance) highlighting critical areas for action in the fight against modern slavery:

• Effective legislation and enforcement: Robust laws with proper enforcement and dedicated resources.

• Empowering workers: Education on rights and improved conditions in source countries.

• Tech for good: Utilising technology for worker registration and transparency.

• Tailored solutions: Addressing the specific challenges of different regions.

• Protecting vulnerable groups: Focusing on women, girls, and survivors in prevention and recovery.

• Strengthening civil society: Supporting local organisations, particularly those led by women.

• Addressing root causes: Tackling poverty and other factors that fuel exploitation.

• Moving beyond audits: Victim-friendly reporting and a focus on systemic change.