No need to “start from scratch” – CPA UK’s new handbook fast tracks the global fight against modern slavery

This week, the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK) is publishing a new handbook for parliamentarians and policymakers. It is called ‘Legislating Against Modern Slavery in Supply Chains’.

Over 50 authors from across the world have contributed, including over 20 parliamentarians from more than 10 legislatures. Other writers are academics, lawyers, and leading civil society and business people.

All have shared their experiences and expertise so that parliamentarians can address exploitation within global supply chains more effectively and efficiently.

“You will not have to start from scratch in your mission to end modern slavery, but will have the opportunity to build on the foundations laid by others before you,” writes Lord Collins, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) minister, in the foreword.

CPA UK has been supporting parliamentarians to address modern slavery for almost a decade. One of the book’s authors, Senator Linda Reynolds, who as Assistant Minister for Home Affairs spearheaded Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, said her journey as an anti-slavery campaigner began with an “eye-opening” CPA UK programme in 2017.

Now, passing on her knowledge to support fellow Commonwealth parliamentarians, Senator Reynolds says she was struck by “the realisation that the exploitation of vulnerable individuals was being fuelled by the consumer choices of people from global north countries like Australia”.

Senator Reynolds is not the only high-profile politician to take part in the knowledge-sharing project. Former UK Prime Minister Theresa May says parliamentarians should not shy away from “listening to experts and importantly people with lived experiences who can identify areas where things can be done better.”

One common theme echoed throughout the book is the unique opportunity Commonwealth parliamentarians have for cooperation and collaboration. “Through its analogous legal and parliamentary systems, the Commonwealth has the opportunity to move collectively against this terrible crime” writes Lord Collins.

Speaking at the official book launch, Chair of CPA UK Kate Osamor MP will say:

“This is what CPA UK is so uniquely good at: bringing parliamentarians across the world together to share knowledge and work toward common goals. It provides a platform to exchange effective policies so that we can build on one another’s successes and overcome each other’s challenges.”

At almost 250 pages and covering everything from approaches to legislation, policy-making, campaign strategy, community engagement and law enforcement, the handbook is a comprehensive guide to legislating against modern slavery in supply chains.

To download your copy of the handbook, head to: https://mailchi.mp/parliament.uk/handbook