Discuss how consumerism contributes to human trafficking. In your discussion, specifically address how corporations can ensure their products are not produced using slave labor. How can consumers help eradicate human trafficking?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Human trafficking is driven by consumer consumption. Be it consumption of goods, sex, or labor, trafficked labor is used to generate the things that those with resources buy and use. Consumer trends determine how much slave labor is needed based on how much product is consumed. Consumers should avoid sex tourism, domestic labor employed without basic rights, and consider where the goods they consume are made and under what conditions. Corporations can avoid using slave labor by paying attention to their supply chain and subcontractors and ensuring they work with and buy from reputable agents who provide quality working conditions for their employees. They can also avoid using brokers to acquire workers as these agents are often exploitive, charging high fees to workers in exchange for work that is has often been misrepresented and is unfavorable at best. Working within treaties such as the Fair Hiring Act are also ways of ensuring that their products are not reliant on slave labor.