Professor Brad Blitz to lead research tackling modern slavery
Middlesex University’s Professor Brad Blitz to lead research tackling modern slavery
29/01/2018
The programme will benefit from Professor Blitz’s extensive work on migration, development and human rights
The British Academy has recently appointed Brad Blitz, Middlesex Professor of International Politics, to lead a research programme entitled ‘Tackling Slavery, Human Trafficking and Child Labour in Modern Business’.
The programme is one of twelve projects aiming to both guide and support the legacy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which turns 70 years old this year.
As a partnership with the Department for International Development, the programme will also be one of eight policy-oriented research projects aiming to advance the UK’s Aid Strategy while contributing towards the eradication of forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking.
Professor Blitz explained that the project will benefit Middlesex students, especially those studying law and criminology.
“The programme will inform the challenges of regulation and law enforcement in a globalised world where goods, services and labour are mobile,” he said.
“Students will benefit by learning about supply chain processes, and will enhance their studies on the global political economy and supply chain management with real world examples.
“This may help them to become more ethical consumers - whether when they book package holidays to the Caribbean, or when they buy clothes, coffee, or seafood.”
Professor Blitz has previously advised the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the World Bank, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and various national governments.
Commenting on his role as leader of the new research programme, he explained that research is vital to informing effective policy.
“When the UK government introduced the Modern Slavery Act in 2015, it signalled its commitment to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time,” he said.
“Since then the United Nations has approved the Sustainable Development Agenda, with states promising to take immediate and effective action to eradicate forced labour; end slavery and human trafficking; and secure the prohibition of the worst forms of child labour by 2025.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Academy, UK government and all of the teams of researchers who are driving this important programme forward.”
Middlesex University’s Professor Brad Blitz to lead research tackling modern slavery
The British Academy has recently appointed Brad Blitz, Middlesex Professor of International Politics, to lead a research programme entitled ‘Tackling Slavery, Human Trafficking and Child Labour in Modern Business’.
The programme is one of twelve projects aiming to both guide and support the legacy of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which turns 70 years old this year.
As a partnership with the Department for International Development, the programme will also be one of eight policy-oriented research projects aiming to advance the UK’s Aid Strategy while contributing towards the eradication of forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking.
Professor Blitz explained that the project will benefit Middlesex students, especially those studying law and criminology.
“The programme will inform the challenges of regulation and law enforcement in a globalised world where goods, services and labour are mobile,” he said.
“Students will benefit by learning about supply chain processes, and will enhance their studies on the global political economy and supply chain management with real world examples.
“This may help them to become more ethical consumers - whether when they book package holidays to the Caribbean, or when they buy clothes, coffee, or seafood.”
Professor Blitz has previously advised the United Nations Development Programme, UNICEF, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the World Bank, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe and various national governments.
Commenting on his role as leader of the new research programme, he explained that research is vital to informing effective policy.
“When the UK government introduced the Modern Slavery Act in 2015, it signalled its commitment to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time,” he said.
“Since then the United Nations has approved the Sustainable Development Agenda, with states promising to take immediate and effective action to eradicate forced labour; end slavery and human trafficking; and secure the prohibition of the worst forms of child labour by 2025.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Academy, UK government and all of the teams of researchers who are driving this important programme forward.”
Learn more about studying international politics at Middlesex