Delaney Felker
Advisor for Economic and Social Affairs
New York, New York
October 27, 2021
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Mr. Special Rapporteur.
We must all act to combat and bring an end to contemporary forms of slavery or forced labor wherever they are found.
The Biden Administration is resolved to taking meaningful action to combat corruption that facilitates forced labor, including of vulnerable groups and minorities. On June 3, President Biden declared efforts to curb corruption a core U.S. national interest.
Transnational criminal organizations derive revenue through widespread illegal conduct, including acts of violence and abuse that exhibit wanton disregard for human life – with forced labor and sexual exploitation among them.
The Special Rapporteur’s report confirms that vulnerable people, in particular children, are at heightened risk for forced labor and other contemporary forms of slavery. Every two years, the U.S. Department of Labor publishes an updated list of goods produced by child labor or forced labor in violation of international standards. The United States remains committed to preventing and addressing forced labor in our supply chains and will continue to stand up for our values.
Question: How can the international community strengthen cooperation and collective efforts to combat corruption and eradicate the use of forced labor in global supply chains?
Thank you.
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