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The Guardian’s forced labour and human trafficking coverage

  • Special focus on modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour since 2012
  • Part of a philanthropic partnership with Humanity United as part of the Guardian’s foundations journalism initiative
  • Since 2013 focussed on investigations into forced labour and human trafficking
  • Focus on supply chains, migration, sex trafficking and systemic drivers of exploitation
  • First newspaper to have a dedicated reporting project on modern slavery
  • Expanded into general human rights reporting in 2020 under Rights and Freedom series

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What makes a good forced labour or human trafficking investigation?

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  • Clear link or narrative that strikes a chord with the reader and relates to something that they buy or use in their lives
  • Good storytelling that brings to life the human cost of the exploitation being uncovered
  • Forensic and thorough investigation that uncovers or reveals an unknown truth
  • Holding power to account and forcing some kind of change or impact
  • Giving voice to people who are hidden or ignored

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How do you find stories?

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  • Follow the trail - what are the biggest commodities/products that we use and where are they made?
  • Talk to those on the frontline - establish contact with labour and trade unions, membership organisations, advocacy groups, local NGOs and activists
  • Look at social media to see who is advocating and agitating - Facebook groups/TikTok
  • Reports and surveys - NGOs/World Bank/Labour dept child labour report/TiP report/telephone helpline surveys

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Forced labour of migrant workers linked to a major global event/commodity

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Exploitation in global supply chains

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What is the role of an editor in a forced labour investigation

  • Commission and approve budget
  • Help steer the editorial direction of the initial reporting
  • Provide support and guidance throughout the investigation
  • Edit copy and deal with production schedule
  • Liaise with lawyers, help with right to replies and champion reporting within the organisation
  • Support the reporters with any post-publication complaints or legal fallout

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What editors are looking for

  • Clear objective and outcomes and a clear and thorough reporting plan
  • Risk assessment of the threat to reporting team and to contributors
  • Reliable and verified sources
  • Trauma-informed reporting plan and understanding of duty of care to contributors
  • A good story! Compelling storytelling and clean copy
  • Clear communications and honesty