Commitment against Forced Labour, Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Child Labour

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Redeemer’s University Policy on the Prevention of Forced Labor, Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, and Child Labor

Policy Updated: 2022

Policy Reviewed: 2024

Purpose:

Redeemer’s University is firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of human rights, dignity, and respect for all individuals. In line with this commitment, the university is dedicated to preventing any form of forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, or child labor within its workforce or in any activities related to the institution. This policy is designed to ensure that all employees, contractors, and partners operate in full compliance with national and international laws prohibiting these practices.

As a Christian university founded on a mission mindset, Redeemer’s University holds itself to the highest moral and ethical standards. Our core values of respect, integrity, and compassion compel us to take a strong stand against these violations of human rights.

Scope:

This policy applies to all employees of Redeemer’s University, including faculty, administrative staff, junior staff, contractors, suppliers, and any other partners who engage in work on behalf of the university. The policy also extends to any form of external engagement or partnerships that may be subject to oversight by the university.



Policy Statement:

Redeemer’s University unequivocally prohibits:

  1. Forced Labor: No individual shall be forced to work against their will, whether through threats, coercion, violence, or intimidation. All forms of involuntary work, including bonded labor and debt bondage, are strictly prohibited.
  2. Modern Slavery: Modern slavery, in any form, including human exploitation for economic gain, is not tolerated at Redeemer’s University. This includes any practices where individuals are controlled and exploited through physical or psychological coercion.
  3. Human Trafficking: The university condemns human trafficking, including the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of individuals for the purpose of exploitation. Redeemer’s University strictly forbids any form of labor sourced through trafficking or coercion.
  4. Child Labor: Redeemer’s University strictly prohibits the employment of individuals below the minimum legal working age as defined by Nigerian law and international standards. The university ensures that no child labor is used within its workforce, supply chains, or contracted work. Any work performed by young workers (where legally allowed) will be subject to strict safety standards, and no tasks that could jeopardize their health, safety, or development will be permitted.


Compliance with National and International Standards:

Redeemer’s University fully complies with Nigerian labor laws and international standards, including but not limited to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which prohibit forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking.

The university expects all its employees, suppliers, contractors, and business partners to adhere to these principles, ensuring that all labor practices are ethical, legal, and in line with national and international regulations.



Procedures for Preventing and Addressing Violations:

  1. Recruitment and Employment Practices: Redeemer’s University ensures that all recruitment processes are conducted transparently, ethically, and in compliance with the law. No recruitment fees shall be charged to workers, and all contracts must clearly outline the terms of employment, including wages, hours of work, and conditions. No employee should be misled about their terms of employment or subject to exploitative practices.
  2. Supplier and Contractor Due Diligence: The university is committed to conducting due diligence on its suppliers and contractors to ensure that they do not engage in forced labor, modern slavery, or child labor. Any supplier or contractor found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to immediate action, including termination of the contract and legal consequences if necessary.
  3. Monitoring and Auditing: Redeemer’s University will regularly monitor its own operations, as well as those of its contractors and suppliers, to ensure compliance with this policy. Periodic audits will be conducted to verify that no forced labor, human trafficking, or child labor is taking place in any area of the university’s work.
  4. Reporting Violations: Any employee or third party who suspects or becomes aware of any instance of forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, or child labor is required to report it immediately to the Human Resources Department or the designated Ethics Officer. All reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and the university will take immediate and appropriate action to investigate and address the situation.
  5. Support for Victims: Should any form of forced labor, human trafficking, or child labor be identified within the university’s operations or supply chain, Redeemer’s University is committed to supporting the victims. This may include offering legal assistance, providing rehabilitation and support services, and cooperating with law enforcement authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.
  6. Non-Retaliation Policy: Employees or third parties who report suspected cases of forced labor, modern slavery, or child labor in good faith will be protected from retaliation. The university ensures that no employee will suffer adverse consequences for reporting a violation of this policy.


Training and Awareness:

Redeemer’s University will provide ongoing training to all employees, particularly those involved in recruitment, procurement, and management, to ensure they are aware of the risks of forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor. Training will include:

  1. Identifying potential warning signs of forced labor and human trafficking.
  2. Understanding legal obligations under Nigerian and international law.
  3. Procedures for reporting and addressing violations.

Additionally, information about this policy will be made available to all employees, contractors, and partners to ensure widespread awareness and adherence.



Disciplinary Action:

Any employee found to be engaging in, supporting, or ignoring instances of forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, or child labor will face immediate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Legal consequences may also be pursued where applicable.

Similarly, any supplier or contractor involved in such practices will face contract termination and potential legal action.



Conclusion:

Redeemer’s University upholds the sanctity of human dignity and is committed to eradicating all forms of forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor. As a Christian university founded on values of love, justice, and respect for all individuals, we stand firmly against exploitation and abuse of any kind in the workplace or in our supply chains.

We call upon every member of the Redeemer’s University community, as well as our suppliers and partners, to join us in this important mission by adhering to these principles and reporting any suspected violations.

For further information or to report any concerns, please contact the Human Resources Department.

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