As founder of action group, Scotland Against Modern Slavery, and director of recruitment agency, Brightline, Shan Saba is urging businesses to do more to help combat human rights abuses.
As part of the Take One Action Film Festival, Glasgow Film Theatre recently screened the Scottish premier of Ghost Fleet which follows Patima Tungpuchayaka, an activist dedicated to recusing slaves held on illegal fishing boats throughout south east Asia.
"I was humbled to be invited," said Mr Saba. "It is a moving and highly emotional film, and yet another example of the real-life misery that is alive in the supply chains of the products we buy."
After the screening, Mr Saba took part in a panel discussion with Rachel Wilshaw, the ethical trade manager of Oxfam. There was one clear message from the mixed crowd: as consumers, no one wants to be the person who knowingly buys a product that has been produced by a slave.
The retail industry in the UK has made major advances in eradicating modern slavery in its supply chain. Organisations such as Stronger Together, Hope for Justice and the International Justice Mission have all played a part in moving businesses forward.
As part of the Staffline Group, Brightwork has implemented a red flag system highlights any danger areas, and the investigation team works closely with the authorities and customers to assist in rescues and then obtain proper employment for those affected.
However, Mr Saba urges industry to do more. "Simply complying with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 is not enough," he said. "New legislation will give the courts more teeth to prosecute organisations, but good practice must be highlighted and publicised. This will embarrass those companies that are merely paying lip service to this horrid crime," he concluded.
