Consultancy for a background study on modern slavery in Malaysia

Background

The Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) is about to start implementing the project “Combatting Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery through ecosystem support” in Colombia, Thailand, Malaysia and India. The overall project’s goal is to work with multiple national stakeholders, including civil society, policy makers, media and the private sector, to form and strengthen the collective response to modern slavery and human trafficking abuses. This goal will be achieved by supporting these actors in exposing, understanding and strengthening their role as key agents in the global fight against slavery. The project will revolve around three strictly linked activities, which aim to facilitate the development of an ‘ecosystem’ where stakeholders can share information, lessons learnt and challenges, and inspire the way forward. These are:

• Journalists training to better and more safely report on issues related to human trafficking and modern slavery

• Legal research provided by pro bono lawyers to NGOs and Social Enterprises (SE) looking to drive social, systemic and environmental change

• High-level multi-stakeholders convenings (including SEs, NGOs, media, private sector) to discuss, exchange best practices and drive innovation and change

The project will benefit from the extensive experience that TRF has gained in fighting modern slavery and human trafficking through its journalist media trainings, pro bono assistance and research as well as through the Stop Slavery Award and its recent commitment to look at how to strengthen the social dimension of the ESG compliance mechanism framework.

Since laws, legislation and compliance in relation to social equity and modern slavery differ from country to country, meaning there is no standardised approach globally in the fight against modern slavery and the safeguarding of supply chains, it is essential to investigate how each country addresses and investigates these issues.

To address the above challenges and to achieve a broader understanding of the countries of operation, TRF has commissioned a background study in Malaysia, which will be developed ahead of any country implementation work and will inform the project activities.

Terms of Reference

The consultant will develop a background study on Malaysia covering:

General

• Main drivers behind modern slavery and human trafficking in the country
• Which value chains and sectors have the highest prevalence on modern slavery and human trafficking
• What form of modern slavery and human trafficking is the most prevalent in the country
• Strength of institutions and law enforcement in relation to labour rights

Legal Framework and civil society

• A robust overview of the national legislative and regulatory framework governing modern slavery and human trafficking generally, and the ‘S’ in the ESG reporting and compliance, specifically. The research should include any recent legal and policy developments or discussions in the field as a result of Covid or other current events.
• A mapping of existing NGOs and other civil society organizations working in this space, as well as any initiatives/campaigns led by such organizations, which are aimed at raising awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking. The mapping should include a summary of the main results of such initiatives/campaigns

Businesses and government

• A mapping of major Malaysian businesses and investors working in the most relevant sectors prone to modern slavery emerging form the analysis (fishery/food, electronics, garments, etc.)
• Existing multi-stakeholders’ initiatives (alliances, coalitions, umbrella organisations) aiming to address/raise awareness on issues related to human trafficking, modern slavery, and the ‘S’. The analysis should include the members organisations, type of membership and impact – e.g. public pledges, etc.
• How much engagement is there from national companies to address modern slavery in relation to their business operations I.e. membership of the UN Global Compact, engagement /partnerships with local NGOs on the issue, as well as: internal policies, respect of labour laws, employee protection measures etc.
• Relevant governmental discussions and reports on the issues and outline of any set agenda or national plan currently ongoing or announced

Experience

• Education to a post-graduate level
• Proven knowledge of anti-slavery and human trafficking dynamics, regulations and stakeholders (nationally and internationally)
• Awareness of mechanisms for the protection of human rights
• Excellent conceptual, planning, organisational and writing skills
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Fluency in Malay is an advantage
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work under no supervision and to deliver on time

Deliverable and Timeline

The consultant will submit a max 15 pages (excluding references, table of content, etc.) research covering the above points and any other issue related to the overall aim of the research, resulted from the discussions with the project manager.

Timeline for submission:

Deliverable – Date

Outline and timeline of the study and business mapping – 1 week after the contract signature

Initial findings – 19^th February

First draft – 1^st March

Final draft – 5^th March

Agreed charges

The funds available for the study are 2,000£ (or 2,600 USD) to be disbursed as per the below timeline (to be agreed with the consultant):

Deliverable – Payment

First Draft – 40% – 800£

Final Draft – 60% – 1,200£