Working through coalitions is an indispensable part of Verité’s advocacy efforts to influence policy changes that uplift and safeguard the rights and well-being of workers worldwide. Today, Verité’s coalition work involves bringing expertise and knowledge on supply chains and labor rights to the policy arena so that public policy is informed and ultimately enforceable. The following resources and news highlight the latest advancements with our coalition partners.
ATEST Submits Key Recommendations for 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report
The Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) has submitted recommendations to the U.S. State Department’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (JTIP) for the 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. ATEST emphasizes the need to continue blocking trade linked to forced labor, highlighting the success of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which has blocked over 5,400 tainted shipments worth more than $3.6 billion at U.S. ports of entry.
Additionally, ATEST stresses the importance of maintaining anti-trafficking programs in all countries to ensure global efforts remain robust and effective. The coalition also called for continued implementation of the Department of Homeland Security rule that holds companies accountable when temporary guest workers are charged fees or when U.S. labor laws are violated. This rule is crucial for preventing labor exploitation and ensuring ethical business practices.
The full ATEST recommendations can be found here.
CAFLT Responds to UK Parliament Inquiry on Forced Labor in UK Supply Chains
The Coalition Against Forced Labour in Trade (CAFLT) has outlined key recommendations to enhance the United Kingdom’s efforts against modern slavery. These include prohibiting the importation of goods produced with forced labor, forced child labor, and prison labor. Authorities should be empowered to investigate and enforce import controls based on International Labour Organization (ILO) indicators. A mechanism should be created for workers, unions, and civil society organizations to submit forced labor allegations anonymously, ensuring confidentiality. Engaging these stakeholders throughout the investigation and implementation process is crucial.
To improve enforcement, the CAFLT recommends strengthening UK customs authorities to detect and seize goods produced under forced labor, maintaining a public list of import bans, and disclosing enforcement data. Companies should be required to provide effective remedy to workers, such as reimbursing recruitment fees and ensuring all earned wages are paid, as a prerequisite to lifting any ban. Independent verification by workers or unions should confirm the success of these efforts. International collaboration is vital, and the UK should work with partners like the U.S. and EU to develop harmonized standards for import bans, closing regulatory gaps and ensuring consistent enforcement. Implementing these recommendations will help the UK eradicate modern slavery and uphold ethical trade practices.
Seafood Working Group Demands Accountability from MSC
In a recent open letter, the Seafood Working Group (SWG) has called on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) to acknowledge its role in enabling labor abuse in certified fisheries. SWG highlights severe labor abuses in the fishing industry, including forced labor and hazardous working conditions that result in over 100,000 fishers losing their lives annually. SWG calls on MSC take responsibility for its social policies and processes that contribute to these abuses.
Specifically, SWG urges MSC to publicly disclose the limitations of its certification in addressing forced labor and stop making labor-related claims. MSC should caution companies against relying solely on its certification for sourcing decisions and emphasize that it should not substitute comprehensive Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD). Additionally, MSC should endorse legally binding solutions to protect fishers’ labor rights and ensure effective remedies for labor violations. By addressing these issues, the MSC can help ensure ethical practices in the seafood industry and protect vulnerable workers.
Click here for the Seafood Working Group’s letter to the MSC.
