The latest in human rights, modern slavery and sustainability.
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Australia refuses to sign UN International Women's Day statement
Australia has refused to sign on to a UN International Women’s day statement that called for stricter enforcement of “policies and legislation that respect women ad girls' right to bodily autonomy”.
ESG policy important in eyes of investors
Investors are focusing more on environmental and social impact of potential investees, including use of plastic, gender diversity and response to modern slavery.
1 in 5 people in UK haven't heard of modern slavery
Researchers have found that one fifth of all persons in the UK are unaware of modern slavery. The study commissioned by Co-op Group was published on March 1st.
UN: Managing air pollution is a human rights obligation
At the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, a UN-appointed expert stated that over six billion people regularly inhale air “so polluted that it puts their life, health and well-being at risk”.
City of Hobart bans all single-use plastic
Hobart have become the first Australian capital city to ban all single use plastic, after a vote on Monday night saw 8 of the 12 council members in favour of the ban.
3M introduces 100% post-consumer recycled materials
The material, showcased at ISPO in Munich, uses up to 100% post-consumer recycled plastics and fabrics, offering a sustainable alternative to common fabrics such as cotton or down.
Historic ruling proves World Bank Group is not above the law
A US Supreme Court ruling has ended the immunity of International Finance Corportation (ICF) in US based lawsuits. The 7-1 ruling was in a suit filed by Indian fishing communities affected by an ICF project.
Ontario trafficking ring discovered, 43 victims freed
An Ontario Police ‘Labour Human Trafficking Investigation’ has uncovered a trafficking ring, freeing 43 victims of trafficking and forced labour.
Australian fashion industry guilty of “system of entrenched exploitation”
A study led by Oxfam Australia as part of the ‘What She Makes’ movement, has uncovered the dark secrets of Australia’s fashion industry, highlighting the “system of entrenched exploitation” affecting garment workers making clothing for Australian brands.
Products containing unsustainable palm oil banned by Zoos Victoria
Zoos Victoria have rid their shelves of all Cadbury and Natural Confectionery Company products after manufactures failed to prove that the palm oil used in their products is sustainably sourced.
Fighting Modern Slavery Ahead of Paris Fashion Week
In the lead up to Paris Fashion Week, UK Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability Minister Victoria Atkins has spoken of the need for business and government to come together to fight modern slavery.
Satellites used to locate modern slavery
At a conference in New York run by United Nations University, computer scientists, slavery experts and policy strategists banned together to investigate how their industries could work together in the fight against modern slavery.
UK Government Introduces Plastic Packaging Tax
The UK has announced that from April 2022 it will introduce a new tax on plastic packaging. The tax will apply to all plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content.
Korean MCNs ban together to combat Modern slavery in supply chains
Over 50 Multination corporations attended consultation workshop on eliminating modern slavery and trafficking within Korean supply chains was held in Seoul on 13 February 2019.
Australian film shines spotlight on modern slavery
Rodd Rathjen’s debut feature film ‘Buoyancy’, a “brutal” and “powerful” piece inspired by true accounts of modern slavery in Southeast Asia, has won an award at the Berlin International Film Festival.
AIC research reveals the true extent of Trafficking and Modern Slavery in Australia
A report published by the Australian Institute of Criminology has revealed the extent of modern slavery and human trafficking in Australia, with figures estimating 1300-1900 victims from 2015-2017.
Malta ratify ILO protocol to end modern slavery
Malta has joined 29 other countries in following the International Labour organisation protocol to end forced labour and modern slavery.
Vail Resort aims to be Zero Waste by 2030
Vail Resort has partnered with Masters of Environment students at CU Boulder to reach zero waste by 2030. The move comes as part of Vail’s Commitment To Zero pledge, in which they aim to have a zero net operating footprint by 2030.
Jobseekers are looking for Corporate Sustainability in workplace, study shows
A survey of over 1000 employees of large companies based in the United States finds that sustainable practice is a highly ranked factor when weighing up job opportunities.
Manus Island Detainee Abdul Aziz Muhmat wins Human Rights Award
Abdul Aziz Muhamat has been awarded with the 2019 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in Geneva.