Special focus on human trafficking at summit
Human trafficking will be the subject of a special focus at CSR Asia Summit 2017, an annual conference on corporate social responsibility, which takes place in Bangkok next month.
The discussion will be led by experts on the subject as well as business leaders.
Dr Richard Welford, the chairman and founder of CSR Asia, says human trafficking is a problem for Asia that needs to be addressed urgently.
Thailand had its biggest human trafficking case in July, resulting in a high-ranking former general and 61 other defendants being convicted and sentenced for their part in trafficking Rohingya Muslims and Bangladeshis as part of a crime syndicate.
The case highlighted the scale and scope of the activity that is taking place in the region.
The verdict and sentences are being seen as a milestone in Thailand’s ongoing efforts to eradicate human trafficking and represent an important step in efforts to combat the problem in Thailand and the wider region.
“There is a very real need to be aware of the potential risks of human trafficking as companies can find themselves as unwilling or unknowing counterparts in supply chains where victims of human trafficking might be found” said Welford.
“The repercussions for companies can be huge and awareness of these risks can help companies avoid reputational damage, business interruptions, potential lawsuits, community conflicts, protests and a loss of consumer trust, all of which can impact on financial performance.”
The Summit is at the Amari Watergate Hotel on September 26-27.