The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) have released the third edition of Combating Forced Labour: A Handbook for Employers and Business. The handbook is designed to help companies identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for actual and potential forced labour risks in their operations and supply chains. It also provides guidance for employers’ organizations to support their members in addressing these challenges effectively.
Forced labour affects over 27 million people worldwide, spanning borders, sectors, and supply chains. The handbook is based on international labour standards, including the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and its 2014 Protocol, and incorporates globally recognized frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy.
The handbook provides a comprehensive overview of forced labour, explaining its global scope, relevant international instruments, and the reasons companies must take action to prevent and eliminate it. It also offers step-by-step practical guidance for implementing human rights due diligence, structured around five steps: committing to and embedding anti-forced labour practices, identifying and assessing risks, taking action to address impacts, tracking the effectiveness of measures, and communicating outcomes.
Employers’ and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) are highlighted as critical players in supporting their members’ due diligence efforts. The handbook is aimed at a wide audience, including company management, human resources, procurement, legal, compliance, and sustainability officers, as well as industry associations, multi-stakeholder platforms, and third parties involved in corporate human rights due diligence.
By using the ILO’s 11 indicators of forced labour, the handbook provides clear guidance on translating international standards into actionable steps for companies. Andrea Davila, Coordinator of the ILO Global Business Network on Forced Labour, emphasized its practicality and usefulness for organizations seeking to prevent and address forced labour effectively.
Jason Pegat-Toquet, IOE Adviser, noted that the handbook’s value lies in its clarity and actionable approach, helping businesses navigate complex challenges and reinforcing the vital role of EBMOs in combating forced labour. First published in 2008 and updated in 2015, the handbook continues to be a key resource for companies and organizations committed to responsible business conduct.
