Global supply chains are a complex web of organisations, technologies, individuals, and activities spanning across different countries, that collaborate to manufacture and distribute goods and services across international borders. This complex interdependence made global value chains efficient and cost-effective but also made them vulnerable to disruptions that would have adverse impacts such as natural disasters and pandemics, but also unpredictable disruptions such as geopolitical conflicts, sanctions, and policy changes. Leading the volatility is the additional burden of managing human rights abuses in the multiple stages of supply chains, particularly ones that are not in a company’s direct control. These include the manufacturing and procurement of raw materials, transportation, storage in warehouses, crossing the border, and ultimately delivering the finished product to consumers.
In recent years, consumer demand, risk of litigation, sanctions and regulatory changes are forcing companies to address modern slavery in supply chains. These include but are not limited to identifying and tackling various forms of human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour across all stages of supply chains. Accordingly, an increasing number of companies are incorporating specific clauses in their procurement and manufacturing contracts. These clauses require suppliers to adhere to applicable labour laws, demonstrate proof of taking active steps to prevent forced labor,...
Abbott Laboratories, the Illinois-based healthcare company that manufactures and sells infant formula and nutritional therapy products, has agreed to pay $384,999,040 to resolve allegations that i...