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Modern Slavery & Forced Labour

In today's interconnected world, migrant workers play an important role in global supply chains across various sectors and regions. However, migrant workers are among the most vulnerable to exploitation and abuse and are often the least able to assert their rights for a wide range of reasons, including lack of legal protection and social security, language and cultural barriers, and discrimination.

Türkiye hosts more than 3.4 million registered Syrians, nearly half of them children, as part of its open-door policy following the Syrian civil war, welcoming refugees and migrants also from countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. The harsh realities of the current economic recession and rising inflation in Türkiye exacerbate the already difficult working conditions of Syrian refugees and migrants, who often work in low-paid and precarious jobs, without social security and legal protection. With the impact of economic hardship, the increasing demand for informal labour in Türkiye and the potentially exploitative working conditions of refugee and migrant workers pose risks of forced labour and modern slavery, especially in sectors such as textiles and agriculture, where migrant workers are predominantly located.

Furthermore, the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023 added another layer of complexity, with heavily earthquake-affected cities facing exacerbated challenges, particularly for migrant workers. 

Much of BHRTR's work in this area involves monitoring and reporting on forced labour and modern slavery-like practices, as well as actively working with a wide range of stakeholders to address, prevent or mitigate human rights risks to working and living conditions in supply chains, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, automotive and textiles.