Convening trusted dialogues
One of IHRB’s enduring strengths is creating trusted spaces where diverse stakeholders can address common dilemmas and challenges, identify practical solutions and come together for collective action.
Global Forum for Responsible Recruitment
Charging recruitment fees to workers remains a widespread practice. Often financed by debt, fees can push workers into forced labour.
Held in Bangkok and online, IHRB’s eighth Forum brought together 1800 participants – from retailers, to recruiters, to governments to unions – to urge stronger actions by all actors to advance responsible recruitment. In 2025, the Forum focused on the transformative potential of data and technology to strengthen accountability in labour recruitment and help prevent worker exploitation. All sessions are available on YouTube. Discover.
Seafarers rights action group
IHRB’s research shows that recruitment fees are endemic amongst seafarers, who transport 90% of the world’s goods. Fees are illegal under the Maritime Labour Convention.
In response, we launched a new coalition of 35 of the world's largest shipping stakeholders to advocate against illegal seafarer recruitment fees. This multi-stakeholder coalition includes companies such as LDC, MSC, Vitol, and Mercuria. Discover.
