22
Apr
2024
Watch
Prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (debate)
Madam President, thank you very much. More than 150 years ago, the transatlantic slave trade was abolished and 12 million people were liberated. Even so, it still exists today. The International Labour Organisation estimates that almost 30 million people are currently victims of forced labour globally. This is totally unacceptable. People are being exploited, and many of these companies just want to carve gold at the expense of workers. We will never accept this. Forced labour is not just a horrific violation of human rights. It distorts competition and disadvantages companies that take responsibility for fair conditions in the supply chain. Despite the lateness of the Swedish right-wing government during its presidency, we can finally push through a law that tackles forced labour and unfair competition, because human rights must be a priority for us. The Democrats' message is clear: Businesses should assume their responsibilities, respect human rights, and we should put an end to modern slavery and forced labour.