UDHR and modern slavery: exploring the challenges of fulfilling the universal promise to end slavery in all its forms

SANDS, Matthew (2019). UDHR and modern slavery: exploring the challenges of fulfilling the universal promise to end slavery in all its forms. The Political Quarterly.

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Official URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1...
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-923x.12712

Abstract

This article reflects on the prohibition of slavery set out in article 4 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and analyses efforts undertaken in the years since to fulfil this commitment. It first addresses the evolution in the prohibition from historic forms of slavery to contemporary forms of slavery and human trafficking. Second, the article examines the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the National Referral Mechanism to appreciate the UK’s efforts to implement various international commitments to prohibit slavery, noting that the current focus towards criminalisation and the meagre support offered as victim protection does not constitute a sufficiently comprehensive strategy towards effective prohibition. Third, areas for reform are identified that could reorient government strategy toward more effective victim protection and support, starting with better identification of victims. And finally, the article argues in favour of actions that seek to prevent modern slavery crimes and abuse, including with a more robust regulatory framework that engages private sector actors to recognise the risks of slavery and exclude forced labour from supply chains.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: 1606 Political Science; Political Science & Public Administration
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-923x.12712
SWORD Depositor: Symplectic Elements
Depositing User: Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited: 24 Sep 2019 14:38
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 00:15
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/25095

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