Dame Sara Thornton welcomes the International Development Sub-Committee’s assessment of the ICAI review: The UK’s approach to tackling modern slavery through the aid programme

In October 2020, the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) published a review of the “UK’s approach to tackling modern slavery through the aid programme.” The Sub-Committee’s new report examines the review and makes recommendations. The report includes evidence provided by the Commissioner during the Sub Committee session on 30 June 2021.

Dame Sara Thornton, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, said:

“The 2020 ICAI review of the UK’s approach to tackling modern slavery through the aid programme set out a series of important recommendations with the aim of supporting an evidence-based and survivor informed portfolio that achieves long-term impact in tackling modern slavery. I welcome the Sub-Committee’s report and recommendations building on those put forward by ICAI.  

“In my role as Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner I have become increasingly aware of the pervasive modern slavery risks in global supply chains and the important role that UK business, including the financial sector, can play in identifying and addressing these issues. I welcome the Sub-Committee’s recommendation that the UK Government considers how to leverage this through public private partnerships.

“The UK Modern Slavery Act was world-leading when it was passed in in 2015. We must now ensure that leaders and policy makers refocus efforts to build on the progress that has been made and drive modern slavery issues up the international agenda, especially as we focus on building back better out of the global pandemic and the just transition towards green economies.”  

Read the full report here.

ENDS.