Liechtenstein Announces Contribution to GFEMS for Sectors Hit Hard by Pandemic

The Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS) is pleased to share that the Government of Liechtenstein has partnered with GFEMS to support Response and Recovery efforts, particularly focused on promoting responsible recovery and preventing exploitation in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This contribution builds on Liechtenstein’s demonstrated leadership in the modern slavery space. In 2019, the Government of Liechtenstein joined The Fund to accelerate financial sector mobilization against modern slavery with an emphasis on catalyzing financial sector innovation. Today, Liechtenstein has announced funding to accelerate critical efforts to address sex trafficking and the heightened risks of modern slavery in the apparel manufacturing sector.

GFEMS expects that as the economic fallout of the pandemic deepens, millions more may fall into labor and sex trafficking in the aftermath of the crisis. The medium and long-term impacts on vulnerable populations must not be ignored. The Fund anticipates that once restrictions are lifted and economic production resumes, incentives for companies to rapidly scale up production will create demand pressures that increase risks of exploitation and modern slavery in industries like apparel.

“Liechtenstein’s global leadership and investment in sectors deeply impacted by the crisis will accelerate the Fund’s efforts to mitigate near-term impacts of the pandemic on modern slavery and drive long-term systems change as the world rebuilds and recovers from the economic effects of the virus.” -Jean Baderschneider, GFEMS CEO and Board Chair

GFEMS is grateful for the continued support from the Government of Liechtenstein, and all its global partners, in our efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations and to plan for a responsible recovery. To receive updates on our work, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Learn more about the GFEMS Response and Recovery Fund.