Latest news

All the latest news, press releases, advocacy and blogs from Anti-Slavery International.

Man holding tomatoes

Is our tomato paste made with forced labour? Why the UK must introduce import bans 

In December 2024, a BBC investigation alleged that several own-brand “Italian” tomato purees sold in UK supermarkets (including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose) appear to contain tomatoes grown and picked in China. This puts them at extremely high risk of having been made with Uyghur forced labour. We know our current laws in the UK aren’t strong enough to prevent goods with forced labour from entering the UK, but what can we do about it?  Keep reading »

Tomatoes placed in cardboard boxes stored at a vegetable processing plant

BBC investigation suggests UK supermarkets are selling products “likely to contain” tomatoes made using forced labour  

Investigation highlights failure of UK laws to compel companies to address forced labour in supply chains  LONDON, 2nd December: The BBC today released an investigation (BBC Eye: Blood on the Shelves) alleging that “own-brand ‘Italian’ tomato purees sold in UK supermarkets appear to contain tomatoes grown… Keep reading »

Dr Zoumana Diarra, Mali

Progress towards ending slavery in Mali 

Every year, 2nd December marks the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. This year, we wanted to highlight crucial progress in Mali, where a new penal code has criminalised slavery for the first time. Keep reading »

climate change

Anti-Slavery International at COP29: addressing Climate Change and Modern Slavery 

As the world gathers in Baku, Azerbaijan to attend the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) under the United Nations Framework Convention Climate Change (UNFCCC), Anti-Slavery International is joining the event to bring attention to the often-overlooked links between climate change and modern slavery.   This year’s COP agenda focuses on climate finance, adaptation, and crucially, just transition and loss and damage. These final two are central in our work to increase protections for people at risk of modern slavery due to the impacts of climate change. Keep reading »

Climate Change Modern Slavery Hub

Launch of new climate change and modern slavery hub

The EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, effective from 25 July 2024, marks a significant advancement in corporate accountability. It requires large companies operating in the EU to carry out due diligence to identify and address human rights abuses and environmental harm in their value chains. The Directive sets a global precedent, particularly for legislation combating forced labour and improving access to justice for those affected by corporate practices. Keep reading »

Anti-Slavery poster in front of Big Ben

5 ways to fight slavery this Anti-Slavery Day (18 October)

Across the globe, a staggering 49.6 million people live in modern slavery. Roughly a quarter are children. Modern slavery is all around us, often hidden in plain sight. People can become enslaved making our clothes, picking our crops, working in factories, or working in houses as cooks, cleaners or… Keep reading »

CSDDD Analysis

Analysis of the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) to assist allies in advocating for effective implementation

The EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, effective from 25 July 2024, marks a significant advancement in corporate accountability. It requires large companies operating in the EU to carry out due diligence to identify and address human rights abuses and environmental harm in their value chains. The Directive sets a global precedent, particularly for legislation combating forced labour and improving access to justice for those affected by corporate practices. Keep reading »

CEO of Anti-Slavery International Jasmine O'Connor OBE speaking at the Annual Supporter Conference in 2022

Driving systemic improvements for people in modern slavery

After nearly seven years of valued leadership, Jasmine O’Connor OBE is stepping down as Anti-Slavery International’s CEO to take up a new role as CEO at a UK charity working on refugee community resettlement. We are happy to share that Donna Covey joins the organisation as the new interim CEO. Donna brings a wide range of charity CEO experience, which will help the organisation continue to build on its strong operations, advocacy and fundraising programmes. Keep reading »