The LexisNexis Human Trafficking Awareness Index™ highlights emerging trends and patterns of awareness within and across national borders. The Index uses the respected Nexis® service to track and analyse the volume of articles related to human trafficking. These insights assist activists working to combat human trafficking and contribute to the advancement of SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.

The 2016 report by the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) into trade-based money laundering ups the momentum to improve anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing. Such actions will contribute to the advancement of SDG 16.4 to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets and combat all forms of organized crime.

Amnesty International’s recent report on child labour in supply chains reported children as young as seven working in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cobalt is used in mobile phone batteries and Amnesty accuses several global electronics brands of failing to do basic supply chain checks. Raising awareness of child labour issues can help in advancing SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking by 2025.

In March 2015 the Modern Slavery Act became law and its effect on UK businesses will be significant. The first of its kind in Europe, and one of the first in the world, the Act specifically addresses slavery and human trafficking in the 21st century, and is one of the most important pieces of legislation for supply chain due diligence. The Act will directly contribute to advancing the SDG target 8.7 to eradicate forced labour, end modern salvery and human trafficking by 2025.