UNU-CPR is an active player in global discussions that seek the recognition and promotion of human rights and sustainable development, looking particularly at Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 (on modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and child labour). COVID-19 has exacerbated modern slavery and human trafficking worldwide, further highlighting the need for evidence-based approaches to policymaking are at the heart of the sustainable development agenda.

Modern slavery and human trafficking affect around 40 million people. In 2015, UN Member States committed to take immediate and effective measures to end forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking by 2030, and the worst forms of child labour by 2025. This is Target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the starting point for UNU-CPR’s work on these issues. Our programming aims to become a leading global knowledge resource for the anti-slavery community, with a particular emphasis on connecting anti-slavery research to policy. We will foster research innovation to accelerate understanding of what works to achieve Target 8.7, and partner with like-minded organizations to accelerate and scale anti-slavery efforts.

Recent Outputs

• Establishing an Agile Response Process to Crisis and Conflict-related Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Risks
• E-learning Module for South East Asia Government Officials

Ongoing Projects

• Finance Against Slavery & Trafficking
• Earth Shattering: Financial Engagement at the Nexus of Modern Slavery and Natural Resources in Africa

Recent Projects

• Delta 8.7
• Developing Freedom (2021)
• 25 Keys to Unlock the Financial Chains of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery (2017)