International Development Sub-Committee on the Work of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact: Tackling modern slavery through the aid programme

Modern slavery leads to appalling human rights violations, and encompasses a range of problems including bonded and forced labour, human trafficking and some of the very worst forms of child labour. It has been estimated that in any one day in 2016, that 40 million people were victims of modern slavery.

ICAI’s review, published in October 2020, found that the there is little evidence from the Government on ‘what works’ in terms of tackling modern slavery within aid programmes, and ICAI raised concern that the Government is yet to publish its international objectives and approach.

During this evidence session, the Sub-Committee will be exploring:

• The key issues of ICAI’s review, and to learn of any developments since its publication last year.
• The experience of victims of modern slavery, and will be hearing from a survivor.
• How effective the Government’s strategy for tackling modern slavery is.

Witnesses from 09:30

• Sir Hugh Bayley, Commissioner, Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI)
• Peter Grant, Lead Author on ICAI Modern Slavery Review

Witnesses from 10:00

• Sophie Otiende, Board Member, Global Fund to End Modern Slavery
• Yuki Lo, Senior Research and Evaluation Manager, Freedom Fund

Witnesses from 10:45

• Professor Alex Balch, Research Director, Modern Slavery Policy and Evidence Centre
• Professor James Cockayne, Professor of Global Politics and Anti-Slavery, University of Nottingham