Modern Slavery

Our Commitment

At Lotus India Foundation Trust, we are deeply committed to upholding human dignity, equality, and justice in every aspect of our work. As a responsible non-profit organization, we recognize that modern slavery and human trafficking are among the most severe violations of human rights in today’s world.

We stand firmly against all forms of forced labor, child labor, bonded labor, human trafficking, and exploitation. This policy outlines our unwavering commitment to prevent, detect, and address any instance of modern slavery within our organization, our projects, or our supply chain.

Our work is guided by integrity, compassion, and respect — ensuring that every person we engage with is treated lawfully, fairly, and with dignity.

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Define our stance against modern slavery and human trafficking.
  • Ensure our operations and partnerships remain free from exploitation.
  • Promote transparency and accountability within our organization and partner networks.
  • Build awareness among staff, volunteers, and suppliers to identify and report potential risks.

This policy applies to all trustees, employees, volunteers, contractors, suppliers, and partner organizations associated with Lotus India Foundation Trust.

Understanding Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is an umbrella term that includes various forms of exploitation where individuals are deprived of their freedom and forced to work under coercion, threat, or deception. It includes:

  • Forced Labor: When individuals are made to work against their will under threat or penalty.
  • Bonded Labor: When workers are trapped by debt and forced to work to repay it.
  • Child Labor: Employment or exploitation of children that deprives them of their childhood, education, or safety.
  • Human Trafficking: Recruitment, transportation, or harboring of persons by force or deception for exploitation.
  • Servitude and Exploitation: Situations where people are controlled through coercion or manipulation.

At Lotus India Foundation Trust, we believe that every person has the right to live and work freely, safely, and with dignity.

Our Approach and Principles

We take proactive steps to ensure our organization and its operations remain free from any connection to modern slavery. Our approach is based on the following key principles:

  1. Zero Tolerance:
    We have zero tolerance for slavery, forced labor, or any form of exploitation within our organization or among our partners and vendors.
  2. Ethical Employment:
    All hiring, volunteer engagement, and project staffing are conducted in compliance with labor laws and ethical standards. Every employee and volunteer works by free choice and is treated with fairness and respect.
  3. Transparency in Supply Chains:
    All vendors, contractors, and third-party service providers must operate ethically and demonstrate compliance with anti-slavery regulations. No supplier associated with us may use forced or child labor.
  4. Community Vigilance:
    Our teams actively raise awareness in the communities we serve — especially among women and children — to identify and prevent cases of trafficking or exploitation.
  5. Respect and Fairness:
    Every person involved in our projects is valued equally, without discrimination, coercion, or abuse.

Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

The Foundation regularly reviews its operations, partnerships, and supply chains to identify any potential risks related to modern slavery.

Our due diligence process includes:

  • Verifying the credibility and compliance of vendors, contractors, and suppliers.
  • Reviewing labor practices and working conditions where applicable.
  • Including anti-slavery clauses in procurement and partnership agreements.
  • Training our staff and volunteers to recognize signs of exploitation.

If any concerns arise, immediate investigation and corrective actions are initiated.

Reporting and Whistleblowing

We encourage anyone — staff, volunteers, partners, or community members — to report any suspicion or evidence of modern slavery or human trafficking related to our operations.

Reports can be made confidentially through:
📧 compliance@lotusindiafoundation.com