Due diligence standards: implementation to combat human trafficking

Author: Lannier, Salomé

Abstract: There is a growing support for the usefulness of corporate due diligence in preventing human trafficking. This article examines the applicability and implementation of these standards for this purpose, including non-binding international standards from the United Nations, the OECD, and the ILO, and binding national standards from California, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France, as well as the EU framework. The adequacy of these frameworks for preventing trafficking is questioned by examining their material scope, the companies bound by the texts, the content of their obligations, and the sanctions.

Keywords: human trafficking, due diligence, Transparency in Supply Chains Act, Modern Slavery Act, criminal due diligence, duty of vigilance, business sustainability