Rise of human trafficking & forced labour in Europe
More than 40 million people around the world currently live in modern slavery —167,000 of them in Germany, according to the Global Slavery Index. Modern slavery in Germany is centred primarily around migrants in the construction and catering industries, according to the country’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). However, examples of forced labour and exploitation can also be found among domestic workers, as well as in the meat processing, agriculture and transportation industries. Last year, authorities identified 180 forced labour victims related to 11 investigations — most of them from Eastern Europe. In Germany, sexual exploitation is much more widespread. “Germany is the brothel of Europe,” said Dietmar Roller, chairman of the German office of the International Justice Mission (IJM), which fights human trafficking around the world. According to the BKA, there were 327 cases of forced prostitution and 500 documented victims in 2017. (Business & Human Rights)
Employees
Johnson & Johnson receives Gender Fair certification
Health care company Johnson & Johnson has announced that it has received Gender Fair certification. Gender Fair is a US-based public benefit corporation that has rated over 1,000 brands, using metrics based on the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles. The rating assesses company employment practices and female leadership initiatives, as well as whether the company’s advertising is helping to break gender stereotypes. Gender Fair says that only 16% of companies currently meet its standard for equality. By achieving Gender Fair certification, Johnson & Johnson joins a small group of companies including Eli Lilly and Company, Microsoft and P&G. “We are thrilled that Johnson & Johnson exemplifies the best of Gender Fair companies, developing women leaders to improve global health outcomes,” said Johanna Zeilstra, CEO of Gender Fair. (CSRwire)
Corporate Governance
China to prosecute former Bright Food chairman for graft
China will prosecute the former chairman of state-owned conglomerate Bright Food Group for corruption after a probe found he had accepted bribes and abused his power. Lu Yongjie, Bright’s chairman until the end of 2015, was put under investigation in May. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said in a statement that Lu had been expelled from the party and handed over to legal authorities after a probe found serious discipline violations. The probe found Lu had accepted bribes and abused his power, the commission said, adding that he had also appropriated public funds and acted against the investigation. Lu is among a series of high-profile Chinese executives who have been put under investigation as Beijing looks to rein in risky corporate behaviour and high leverage. (Reuters)
Environment
UK summer ‘wind drought’ puts green revolution into reverse
Britain’s long heatwave threw the country’s green energy revolution into reverse and pushed up carbon emissions this summer, leading experts to stress the need for a diverse energy mix. The summer of 2017 was lauded as the “greenest ever” for electricity generation, thanks to a growing number of windfarms and solar installations edging out coal and gas power stations. But this year has seen a comparatively dirty summer for power generation, due to the weather’s impact on renewables. The wind drought meant that at times turbine blades sat idle for days. Although record-breaking solar output helped fill some of the gap and nuclear plants provided a bedrock of supply, gas power stations were fired up to meet demand. (Guardian)
Sustainable Development
Chrysler joins forces with No Kid Hungry to help end childhood hunger
Chrysler brand is teaming up with No Kid Hungry, a national campaign that is focused on ending child hunger in America today. Chrysler’s support will help No Kid Hungry continue its work to improve the lives of families across the country by ensuring children have the food they need to succeed. According to No Kid Hungry, one in six kids in America lives with hunger. When kids don’t have the food they need, they are more likely to struggle in school, miss class and not feel well. No Kid Hungry is helping to end childhood hunger in America by making sure kids get the food they need every day. Since the launch of the campaign in 2010, one-third fewer children are now facing hunger. Chrysler is working with the campaign to provide up to 1.5 million meals. (3BLmedia)
Events
Business & Climate Summit: Managing Climate Related Risks & Capitalising on the opportunities
1st October| London
Given the rise of climate-related soft and hard law – the TCFD, EU NFD – the summit helps to understand their impacts on business and to develop an appropriate strategy, focusing on how to;
Map climate risk to identify high-risk areas and develop an appropriate action plan
Navigate the complexity of various climate-related disclosure standards
Move beyond reporting to tie climate in the strategy and commercial goals
Confirmed speakers include Heads and Directors of Standard Chartered Bank, BT, Skanska, Multiplex, Mott Macdonald, EBRD and more.
Please note you can benefit from a 10% saving if you reserve your ticket here and quote FG10.
Ethical Corporation 13th Responsible Supply Chain Summit Europe 2018
10-11th October| Novotel London West #RSCEU
For over a decade this event has delivered an unmatched, holistic view of supply chain challenges and solutions. 2018’s iteration is the strongest, most value packed we’ve ever produced with a laser-like focus on the emerging technologies, innovations and collaborations critical to sustainable, cost-effective supply chain strategies.
Join 200+ executive attendees and 40+ senior level speakers from UN Global Compact, DSM, Mattel, C&A, Ørsted, British Retail Consortium, Neal’s Yard Remedies, OHCHR and Sodexo.
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