Anti-Slavery and Human trafficking Policy Template for United States

An Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy outlines an organization's commitment and actions to prevent modern slavery in its operations and supply chains. In the Philippines, this policy helps companies comply with Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act) and protect vulnerable workers from exploitation, forced labor, and trafficking.

The policy typically includes reporting procedures, due diligence requirements, and specific steps to identify and address risks. It guides staff on recognizing warning signs, conducting supplier assessments, and ensuring ethical recruitment practices - especially important for Philippine businesses working with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or managing complex supply chains across Southeast Asia.

Companies operating in the Philippines need an Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy when they engage with international supply chains, employ migrant workers, or work with recruitment agencies. This policy becomes essential for businesses expanding operations, especially in industries like manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and domestic services where labor exploitation risks are higher.

The policy is particularly vital when bidding for government contracts, seeking international certifications, or partnering with global brands that require strict ethical standards. Organizations also need it when establishing operations in special economic zones, managing subcontractors, or working with overseas Filipino worker (OFW) placements to ensure compliance with RA 9208 and related labor laws.

• Basic Stand-Alone Policy: Outlines fundamental anti-slavery commitments, reporting procedures, and compliance with RA 9208. Ideal for small to medium enterprises.
• Integrated Supply Chain Policy: Combines anti-slavery measures with supplier codes of conduct and due diligence requirements. Perfect for manufacturers and exporters.
• OFW-Focused Policy: Specifically addresses overseas Filipino worker protection, recruitment standards, and monitoring mechanisms.
• Corporate Group Policy: Comprehensive version for large organizations, covering multiple subsidiaries and cross-border operations.
• Industry-Specific Policy: Tailored for high-risk sectors like construction, fishing, or domestic services, with specialized risk assessment tools.

• Corporate Legal Teams: Draft and update the Anti-Slavery Policy to align with Philippine laws and international standards
• HR Managers: Implement policy guidelines, conduct staff training, and monitor recruitment practices
• Supply Chain Directors: Ensure supplier compliance and perform due diligence on business partners
• Department Heads: Enforce policy requirements within their teams and report potential violations
• Compliance Officers: Monitor policy effectiveness and coordinate with DOLE and IACAT for enforcement
• External Stakeholders: Including suppliers, contractors, and recruitment agencies who must adhere to policy standards

• Supply Chain Assessment: Map out all suppliers, contractors, and recruitment agencies to identify high-risk areas
• Legal Framework: Review RA 9208, DOLE guidelines, and international standards applicable to your industry
• Risk Analysis: Document specific slavery and trafficking risks in your operations and supply chains
• Stakeholder Input: Gather feedback from HR, legal, operations teams on practical implementation challenges
• Reporting Mechanisms: Establish clear procedures for reporting violations and protecting whistleblowers
• Training Plans: Outline how staff will be educated on policy requirements and warning signs
• Enforcement Strategy: Define consequences for non-compliance and remediation procedures

• Policy Statement: Clear commitment to preventing slavery and trafficking under RA 9208
• Scope Definition: Coverage of employees, contractors, suppliers, and recruitment partners
• Due Diligence Procedures: Specific steps for assessing and monitoring business relationships
• Reporting Mechanisms: Confidential channels for reporting violations and protecting whistleblowers
• Risk Assessment Framework: Methods to identify and address trafficking risks
• Training Requirements: Mandatory staff awareness and compliance training schedules
• Enforcement Provisions: Consequences for violations and remediation procedures
• Review Process: Annual policy evaluation and update requirements

While both documents focus on ethical business conduct, an Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy differs significantly from a Compliance and Ethics Policy. Here are the key distinctions:

• Scope and Focus: Anti-slavery policies specifically target forced labor and trafficking risks, while Compliance and Ethics policies cover broader ethical conduct including corruption, conflicts of interest, and general business integrity
• Legal Framework: Anti-slavery policies directly align with RA 9208 and international trafficking laws, whereas Compliance and Ethics policies respond to general corporate governance requirements
• Implementation Requirements: Anti-slavery policies mandate specific supply chain due diligence and victim protection measures, while Compliance and Ethics policies typically outline general behavioral standards and reporting procedures
• Stakeholder Coverage: Anti-slavery policies extend to suppliers, recruitment agencies, and labor intermediaries, while Compliance and Ethics policies primarily govern internal staff conduct