Global manufacturing supply chains failing to make progress on child labour risk, finds Verisk Maplecroft

Global manufacturing supply chains that operate through the world’s major hubs are making little or no progress in stamping out child labour, finds new research from Verisk Maplecroft. In its Child Labour Index, the risk analytics firm said manufacturing hubs most entwined in global supply chains – including China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Cambodia – have “not recorded any improvement” in the ranking of 198 countries since 2016. A total of 27 countries are rated as “extreme risk” of child labour in the new index. East Africa is the region most at risk with five of the 10 highest countries in the index. A further 82 countries are classed as “high risk” in the research. North Korea was the worst performing country in the index. It was followed in the top ten by Somalia, South Sudan, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Sudan, Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, Chad and Mozambique. India ranked 47thand China 98th, but neither have recorded improvement for several years despite economic expansion. While the two countries are categorised at “high risk” overall, they are rated “extreme risk” for frequency and severity of violations. India’s domestic laws fall short of international standards on the legal working age of 15, Verisk Maplecroft said. In addition, enforcement of these laws has been criticised for lacking resources, it added. “Worryingly for organisations with extended supply chains, this trend is echoed across many manufacturing countries…where the high risk of children being exploited or having to work through necessity remains unchanged,” Verisk Maplecroft said. This includes Ethiopia (30), Bangladesh (44), Turkey (63) and Vietnam (81), where the high risk of children being exploited or having to work through necessity remains unchanged. “The economic momentum of many countries is yet to trickle down to the poorest in society and any meaningful headway on labour rights issues, including child labour, remains elusive,” said Oscar Larsson, human rights data analyst at Verisk Maplecroft. He added that companies must be proactive with their own operations and supply chains to minimise the risk. “Child labour is still prevalent across many sectors – if countries aren’t taking action it is up to companies to see they have the tools to make sure it’s not happening under their watch,” Mr Larsson said. Venezuela recorded the highest increase in child labour risks, the index found, falling 80 places since 2016 to 7th. Nigeria and Cambodia fell into the “extreme risk” zone in the 2019 index. Despites its stark warnings, Verisk Maplecroft said 57 countries recorded improvements in the index over the past two years. Some of the greatest improvements are in Liberia, Myanmar and Madagascar. The use of child labour in manufacturing exposes companies directly, or by association through their supply chains. Verisk Maplecroft said its index helps companies to identify where the risk of child labour is highest. It also supplies data on country laws and international treaties and enforcement. In related news, the UK government must strengthen its Modern Slavery Act, according to a review that recommends 80 changes to protect victims of modern slavery. The review says the current law needs more “teeth” to ensure businesses wipe out modern slavery from their supply chains

Global manufacturing supply chains failing to make progress on child labour risk, finds Verisk Maplecroft

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