The United Kingdom (UK) has announced new protections for children at the risk of falling prey to child labour, including a £5million programme to support Bangladesh deliver its commitment of eliminating the worst forms of child labour in the country.
Secretary of State for International Development of the UK Penny Mordaunt on Monday announced the programme in New York, said a press release on Tuesday.
The UK's support to tackle forced labour goes beyond the Prime Minister's £150 million commitment last year.
The Prime Minister's Call to Action to end forced labour is now endorsed by 75 UN member states, according to the release.
The release added the UK will cement its position as a global leader in the fight against forced labour at the UN General Assembly (UNGA), galvanising international action to stamp out this vicious scourge and launching a range of projects to tackle child labour across Africa and Asia.
The UK will commit extra support in the global fight against forced labour, taking UK spend to over £200 million to help create jobs, strengthen law enforcement, improve recruitment practices so people do not become victims and provide vital protections for those who do.
UK aid is working to wipe out forced labour, which costs the economy an estimated £4.3 billion a year, at source and prevent onward trafficking to the shores.
"No one nation can banish this borderless crime alone. The international community must collaborate to dismantle predatory trafficking networks, support victims, strengthen justice systems and create sustainable alternative livelihoods," Ms Mordaunt said.
The UK alongside the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia will launch a joint framework for governments to eliminate trafficking and forced labour from global supply chains.
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