Policy on Combating Forced Labor, Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, and Child Labor

Policy on Combating Forced Labor, Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, and Child Labor

University of Mosul

1. Title

University of Mosul Policy on Combating Forced Labor, Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, and Child Labor

2. Purpose / Objective

This policy aims to protect human dignity and safeguard fundamental rights by eliminating all forms of exploitation, whether within the University or among its partners. Its primary objective is to ensure a safe, humane, and responsible environment for work and learning—free from forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor—in alignment with the University’s ethical and legal obligations toward the local community and international standards.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all University of Mosul personnel, including academic, administrative, and technical staff, as well as suppliers, contractors, and partners engaged with the University.

4. Principles / Commitments

  • Prohibition of Forced Labor: banning any practice that compels individuals to work against their will or under unfair conditions.

  • Combating Modern Slavery: ensuring that employment contracts and agreements are free from exploitative or inhumane terms.

  • Preventing Human Trafficking: refraining from cooperation with any entity potentially involved in human trafficking, with regular due diligence checks on suppliers and contractors.

  • Elimination of Child Labor: adhering to the minimum legal working age in line with national laws and international standards, and ensuring no children are employed in any activity related to the University or its partners.

  • Shared Responsibility: promoting awareness of human rights across the university community and among external collaborators.

5. Procedures / Implementation Mechanisms

  • Supplier Verification: conducting periodic reviews and evaluations of suppliers and contractors to confirm compliance with this policy.

  • Internal Audits: organizing inspections and audits to ensure no prohibited practices exist.

  • Contract Management: including explicit clauses in employment and commercial agreements prohibiting forced labor and child labor.

  • Reporting Channels: providing secure and confidential mechanisms for lodging complaints or reporting suspicious practices.

  • Rapid Response: taking immediate action against proven violations, including contract termination or referral to competent legal authorities.

6. Responsibilities

  • The University Presidency holds ultimate responsibility for endorsing and overseeing the implementation of this policy.

  • The Legal Affairs Office and the Sustainability and Human Rights Unit are responsible for monitoring compliance and reviewing reports.

  • Administrative and academic units are accountable for ensuring adherence within their respective areas.

  • All suppliers and partners must sign a written commitment to fully comply with the provisions of this policy.

7. Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Preparing annual reports on compliance levels, including violations and corrective measures taken.

  • Conducting regular evaluations of supplier and contractor practices to confirm adherence to the policy.

  • Measuring awareness within the university community through surveys and training programs to assess understanding of human rights and the risks of forced labor.

8. Periodic Review

This policy will be reviewed every three years, or in response to new legal developments or international standards, ensuring alignment with the latest global approaches to combating forced labor, human trafficking, and child labor.

9. Link to Global Goals

This policy contributes to:

  • Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by fostering safe and exploitation-free working conditions.

  • Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, by protecting vulnerable groups from abuse.

  • Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, through combating slavery and trafficking while supporting fair and transparent systems.

  • Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by collaborating with socially responsible partners.

Approved by: Presidency of the University of Mosul.

Last updated: 24-12-2024.