A Path Forward in Addressing Climate Change and Modern Slavery

A recent study by the Nottingham Rights Lab and the University of Nottingham School of Geography highlights a critical intersection between climate change and modern slavery, pointing out the inadequacy of current responses to these issues when treated separately [1]. It's an enlightening perspective that climate-induced events, such as droughts and earthquakes, can worsen vulnerabilities, leading to modern slavery by forcing people into migration or displacement. The study's call for integrated policies to address these issues together is a significant step toward developing more effective strategies that can mitigate the risks faced by vulnerable communities.

The partnership with Transparentem and International Justice Mission (IJM) UK underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling these complex issues. The 17 recommendations proposed by the research offer a comprehensive roadmap for legislative and policy changes, highlighting the need for international collaboration, investment in solutions, and further research to understand and combat the intertwined nature of climate change and modern slavery.

The active engagement with UK policymakers and the willingness observed in various areas to address these intersecting issues are promising signs of progress. However, as noted, there's still a considerable journey ahead. The emphasis on considering climate change and modern slavery in tandem by policymakers could pave the way for more resilient and inclusive strategies that not only prevent exploitation but also address the root causes of vulnerability.

There are two key research questions related to the integration of anti-slavery efforts into the climate change policies of the UK Government and devolved administrations. The first question seeks to explore the level of integration of anti-slavery measures in the current policies governing climate change. The second question aims to identify ways in which anti-slavery actions can be better aligned or integrated with existing and new mechanisms for mainstreaming climate change policies. The study focuses on the intersection of these two critical issues. It aims to provide valuable insights into how policymakers can better integrate anti-slavery efforts into climate change policies.

The recommendations from the report are structured across several core themes: governance, knowledge to action, capacity building and finance mechanisms, and support for lived experience and inclusion [2]. Each set of recommendations addresses specific areas of concern and proposes actions to enhance the intersectional approach to modern slavery and climate change. Below is a detailed summary of these recommendations:

?? Governance

• Strategic Oversight: Enhance strategic oversight between the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), making the linkages between modern slavery and climate change a strategic priority and assigning a dedicated minister within the FCDO to cover issues of migration, modern slavery, and humanitarian concerns.
• Problem Framing and Recognition: Implement an overarching human rights lens across all departments and mandates, especially those dealing with climate change and modern slavery, to shift perspectives towards humanitarian and social responses.
• Enhanced Cross-departmental Collaboration: Overcome siloed approaches within the UK government and devolved administrations by establishing cross-departmental sub-groups, 'brown-bag' sessions for networking, and periodic meetings to encourage collaboration.
• Legislative Change: Consider adopting or developing legislation similar to the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, focused on modern slavery and climate change, and update existing legislation to include 'Just Transition' principles and improved transparency in supply chains.
• Alignment: Promote the inclusion of climate change as a concern about modern slavery within the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and ensure that trade agreements promote working rights and environmental good practices.

?? Knowledge to Action

• Addressing Evidence Gaps: Improve evidence base and understanding of the cascading risks associated with modern slavery and climate change, ensuring that future climate change risk assessments and national adaptation plans explicitly address these linkages.
• Establishing Safe Pathways: Work towards establishing safe migration pathways in response to climate and intersecting crises, focusing on those displaced by climate disruptions and socio-political instabilities.
• Sensitivity Language: Enhance sensitivity and reflexivity in international programming related to modern slavery and climate change, acknowledging historical disparities and adapting language to be inclusive and responsive.

?? Capacity Building and Finance Mechanisms

• Adaptation Finance: Increase adaptation finance through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and domestic funding, supporting vulnerable communities and building resilience against climate change and modern slavery.
• Research Funding: Allocate funding for research on the intersections between modern slavery and climate change, supporting policy centres and promoting evidence-based interventions.
• Informed Green Investment: Regulate green investment mechanisms to consider social factors and ensure that investments are aligned with human rights standards, particularly about modern slavery in supply chains.

?? Support Lived Experience and Inclusion

• Lived Experience Inclusion: Meaningfully include survivors' voices and lived experiences in all stages of policy-making, ensuring engagement is trauma-informed and non-exploitative.
• Community Investment: Increase financial investment in community-led organisations addressing climate change and modern slavery, supporting the development of targeted programming.
• Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner: Support the role of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner in monitoring national responses to modern slavery, emphasising the integration of climate change considerations and ensuring continuity and extended terms for effective engagement and action.

These findings and recommendations of the study contribute to an emerging understanding that the fight against modern slavery and climate change is not just about addressing the symptoms but also about tackling the systemic issues that allow these phenomena to thrive. It's a call to action for governments, organisations, and individuals to rethink how we approach these challenges, underscoring the potential for significant impact through integrated responses. Such research not only broadens our understanding of the complexities involved but also offers hope for developing strategies that can protect and empower the most vulnerable in society.