Used in Europe

Did you know?

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In the EU, an estimated 880.000 people are in situations of forced labour (ILO 2012).
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Very cheap products likely mean unfair paychecks for workers. But expensive items do not guarantee good working conditions.
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Worldwide, an estimated 21 million people are victims of forced labour (ILO 2012).
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Forced labour is mainly found in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, domestic work and the entertainment sector (ILO 2014).
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90% of forced labourers worldwide are exploited in the private economy, by individuals or enterprises (ILO 2012).
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In 2013, 1823 trafficked persons were assisted by the member organisations of La Strada International (LSI 2014).
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In 2013, member organisations of La Strada International assisted people trafficked to 41 different countries (LSI 2014).
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Victims from the largest number of origin countries were detected in Western and Central Europe (UNODC 2012).
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Trafficking in persons is a global crime affecting nearly all countries in every region of the world (UNODC 2012).
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Labour exploitation in Europe is not a new development but until recently received little attention.

Due to unique factors within each country and the many forms of labour exploitation, there is no quick fix or simple solution. Eliminating human trafficking requires concerted action by governments, businesses and individuals within the communities where it exists.

What can YOU do?

You can share Used in Europe via Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter (using #usedineurope and #humantrafficking)

You can tell your friends and family about labour exploitation and human trafficking occurring in Europe, including your own country.

You can support campaigns that target brands exposed for human rights abuses.

You can support campaigns that put pressure on governments, so that they comply with international obligations to prevent human rights abuses by the business world.

You can become a more conscious consumer. Ask about the origins of products, look for information and signs of unfair labour. Do not think that just because a product says it’s ‘made in Europe’, no exploitation has taken place.

You can check how people are recruited for the services you use. For example, who does your housework, who is your nanny? Are her/his rights respected? Does she/he receive decent wages and have proper job protection?

When you go to work, ask yourself: ‘Is my company involved in preventing the problem?’

What should the private sector do?

Businesses need to pay more attention to their supply chains to ensure that they do not facilitate exploitation and violate human rights, either directly or indirectly.
Businesses must comply with labour law and ensure transparent and accessible supply chains and production sites. They must cooperate with relevant stakeholders, such as NGOs and trade unions, to ensure labour rights are protected, including those of migrant workers.

More information and resources for businesses

What should our governments do?

Governments need to ensure enforcement of national and international legislation on human trafficking and labour exploitation. They should set up control mechanisms and enact sanctions if businesses do not respect human rights and labour standards.
Governments need to raise more awareness on root causes and various forms of human trafficking in order to identify and support victims sooner and prevent it from happening in the first place.

Statement La Strada International

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What can YOU do?

What should the private sector do?

What should our governments do?