8.2.4 “Employment policy modern slavery Have a policy commitment against forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour”

The University of El Oued firmly commits to safeguarding human rights and promoting ethical practices across its operations and partnerships. This policy outlines the university’s dedication to eradicating forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labour, adhering to both national and international legal frameworks. By fostering an environment of dignity and equality, the university supports Algeria’s national laws and aligns with international conventions to combat exploitation in all forms.

This policy aims to:

• Prevent and address any instances of forced labour, human trafficking, modern slavery, or child labour within university operations and collaborations.

• Ensure compliance with Algerian Penal Code (Article 303 bis) and international conventions, such as the ILO Forced Labour Convention (C29) and the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons.

• Promote awareness and accountability among faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All university personnel, including faculty, staff, contractors, and students.

• University-sponsored projects, research initiatives, and partnerships at the local, national, and international levels.

Policy Guidelines

1. Compliance with Legal Frameworks

• National Adherence:
  The university strictly complies with Algerian Penal Code (2009), ensuring no involvement in forced labor, human trafficking, or child labor activities.
  https://droit.mjustice.dz/sites/default/files/portail/legisl_nouveau/code_penal_2010/ar/index.html?n=485.html

• International Compliance:
  The university upholds international commitments under the:

  • ILO Forced Labour Convention (C29): https://normlex.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NORMLEXPUB:12100:0::NO::P12100_ILO_CODE:C029

  • UN Protocol on Trafficking in Persons and other ILO frameworks on forced labour: https://www.ilo.org/topics/forced-labour-modern-slavery-and-trafficking-persons/what-forced-labour

2. Prevention Measures

• Establish thorough vetting processes for contractors, research collaborators, and third-party vendors to ensure compliance with labour and human rights laws.

• Conduct regular training for staff, faculty, and students on identifying and reporting forced labour or trafficking.

3. Ethical Employment Practices

• Ensure no individual under the legal working age is employed within university operations or partnerships.

• Guarantee that all employees, including contract workers, receive wages and benefits above the minimum wage mandated by Algerian law.

4. Reporting and Accountability

• Set up confidential mechanisms for reporting suspected violations of this policy.

• Investigate and take immediate corrective actions against confirmed cases, in collaboration with local authorities when necessary.

5. Community Engagement and Awareness

• Partner with national and international organizations to promote education on human rights and labour laws within the university and the local community.

• Host workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns on the dangers and signs of forced labour, trafficking, and child labour.

Responsibilities

1. University Management:
   Oversee the policy’s implementation and ensure compliance across all departments.

2. Human Resources Department:
   Monitor hiring practices, conduct background checks, and ensure all employment practices are lawful and ethical.

3. Legal Affairs Office:
   Ensure alignment with national and international laws and provide guidance on resolving policy violations.

Review and Monitoring

The university will review this policy every two years to ensure it aligns with evolving national and international laws and best practices.