Towards Harmonised Global Ethical Labour Standards

We support corporates, their investors and governments in a coordinated approach to systematically eliminating forced labour from global supply chains.

Corporate Compliance & Legislation Harmonisation Program

Working towards harmonised global compliance legislation by 2030

Ethical Labour Foundation’s (ELF) customers are large organisations - governments legislating to eliminate forced labour and the corporates and institutional investors who need to comply with the legislation.

With all 193 UN member countries having signed UNSDG8.7 to eliminate all forms of slavery by 2030, it would be ineffective and unsustainable to expect organisations to comply annually with 193 different forms of legislative requirements.

Because we are all fighting a common enemy – forced labour and the criminals profiting off it – ELF’s vision is that we should fight the problem in a coordinated, systematic way, working towards forced labour legislation converging to a harmonised global standard by 2030.

ELF's mission - enabled by our technologies, processes and over 30 years of system-level solution know-how - is to lead, coordinate and manage this common global objective.

PHASE 1: RESIN IN EAST AFRICA

OVERVIEW

Tanzania is rich in pine forests which have the potential to produce resin, which is a valuable commodity in high demand for a vast range of consumer and industrial products. In recent years, resin tapping in Tanzania has grown into a substantial commercial enterprise.

Workplace situations which involve human trafficking and/or forced labour have been discovered in Tanzania, which has fuelled concerns about fair wages, worker protections and potential risks throughout the resin value chain.

This project ensures transparency, decent working conditions, and equitable economic growth in resin value chain development. The methodology and outcomes of this initiative have significant applicability to other regions in Africa and globally, providing a scalable model for ethical supply-chain practices.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is to begin building transparency in global resin value chains by creating business, product and labour traceability, commencing within Tanzania. This will be achieved by:

Constructing a verifiable map of the Tanzanian resin value chain - from source to export-for businesses, resin products and the labour supply chain.
Identifying actual and potential labour-rights violations, emphasizing forced labour indicators, wage structures, occupational safety, and the right to organise.
Developing actionable recommendations for regulators, resin buyers and social partners that embed transparency and worker voice in future growth.

APPROACH

Participatory Research: Worker surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus groups.
Risk Assessment: Utilizing the ILO's forced labour indicators and OSH standards.
Stakeholder Workshops: Multi-stakeholder engagements to validate findings and foster collaborative solutions.

IMPACT

The project will culminate in a high-profile launch event in Tanzania, providing recognition opportunities for corporate supporters and engaging key stakeholders, including government ministries, international agencies, and media outlets. Project findings will gain visibility through publication in peer-reviewed journals and dissemination via regional and international union networks.

Additionally, actionable policy recommendations and practical guidance materials developed through the project will directly benefit corporate sustainability reporting.