OSCE, first international organisation to affiliate to Electronics Watch
Electronics Watch is delighted to welcome four new affiliates, one of which is the first international organisation to affiliate - the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Julia Rutz, Senior Adviser with the OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings said: "This is an important step, that the OSCE as a promotor of policies on prevention of human trafficking in public sector supply chains also took the strategic decision to ensure that its own supply chains and procurement practices do not contribute to human trafficking."
Three universities have also joined: University of Reading and University of Sussex in the UK and Zürich University of the Arts, Switzerland. Lisa Jeffries, Director of Procurement at the University of Reading, said: "The University of Reading is committed to responsible procurement, looking at environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing and social value principles. The electronics industry is a high-risk sector for modern slavery and poor working conditions. The University has robust procedures already in place to ensure we are working with companies that share our values. The affiliation with Electronics Watch will ensure transparency in the global supply chain and support the University's policy of a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and human trafficking."