8.2.4
Prevention of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
The University of Thessaly (UTh) is firmly committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery, forced and child labor, and human trafficking within its operations, partnerships, and procurement practices.
The University upholds zero tolerance toward any form of exploitation and aligns its procedures with Greek, European, and international human rights and labor standards.
Purpose
This policy aims to:
Prevent and eliminate modern slavery, forced labor, and child labor from all University operations and supply chains;
Ensure compliance with national and international legal frameworks, including mandatory exclusion provisions in public procurement;
Promote ethical recruitment and contracting across all units;
Educate staff and suppliers about their responsibilities in identifying and preventing exploitative practices;
Contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8.7, 16.2, and 17.16.
Legal and Strategic Framework
This policy is grounded in the following:
Greek Legislation
Article 73, Law 4412/2016, as amended: mandatory exclusion of economic operators convicted of crimes relating to child labor and other forms of trafficking in human beings, in accordance with Article 2 of Directive 2011/36/EU and Article 323A of the Greek Penal Code.
Greek Penal Code, Article 323A, defining human trafficking and its criminal penalties.
Law 4808/2021 (Labor Protection Law) – strengthening employee protection and prohibiting forced labor.
Law 4554/2018 – introducing measures against labor exploitation and trafficking.
Law 4957/2022, Articles 88–89 – transparency and ethical conduct in public procurement and higher education governance.
International and European Instruments
EU Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings and protecting victims.
ILO Convention No. 29 (1930) – Forced Labour Convention (ratified by N.D. 4221/1961).
ILO Convention No. 105 (1957) – Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (ratified by N.D. 4221/1961).
ILO Convention No. 138 (1973) – Minimum Age Convention (ratified by Law 1182/1981).
ILO Convention No. 182 (1999) – Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (ratified by Law 2918/2001).
United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (2011).
European Charter of Fundamental Rights, Articles 4 and 5 (Prohibition of slavery, forced labor, and child exploitation).
Scope
This policy applies to:
All University employees, including faculty, administrative, technical, and contractual staff.
All suppliers, service providers, and contractors participating in University procurement or funded projects.
All research and development partnerships, including those supported by public or private funding.
All subsidiary or affiliated entities acting on behalf of the University.
Key Provisions
- Zero-Tolerance Commitment
The University prohibits and actively prevents any form of modern slavery, forced or child labor, or trafficking.
Any individual or supplier found in violation will face immediate termination of contracts and may be reported to judicial or administrative authorities.
- Ethical Procurement and Supplier Exclusion
All procurement processes adhere to Article 73 of Law 4412/2016, which mandates the exclusion of economic operators convicted of human trafficking or child labor crimes.
Suppliers must sign ethical compliance declarations affirming adherence to labor and anti-trafficking legislation.
The University reserves the right to audit supplier compliance and to terminate contracts upon verified violations.
- Prevention of Child Labor
The University explicitly prohibits the employment or engagement of individuals under the minimum legal age of employment, as defined by ILO Convention No. 138 and Greek labor law.
Any University-supported project, research activity, or subcontract must ensure compliance with minimum age requirements and safe working conditions.
- Training and Awareness
Mandatory training sessions will be provided for procurement officers, project managers, and administrative staff on identifying and addressing signs of labor exploitation.
Awareness campaigns will highlight the risks of trafficking and the importance of ethical conduct within University and community activities.
- Reporting and Whistleblowing Mechanisms
The University maintains a confidential reporting channel through the Office of Social Responsibility and Ethics and the Internal Audit Unit.
Any member of staff, student, or supplier can report suspicions anonymously, with full protection under Law 4990/2022 (EU Whistleblower Directive implementation).
Verified reports trigger internal investigation and corrective or legal action.
- Monitoring and Compliance
The Procurement Office, in coordination with the Internal Audit Unit, conducts annual risk assessments and supplier screenings.
Findings are incorporated into the Annual Sustainability and Ethics Report, submitted to the University Senate.
Continuous monitoring ensures alignment with updated legislation and EU procurement directives.
Governance
Responsible Authority: Rector
Operational Oversight: Vice-Rector for Administration and Finance, Procurement Office
Supporting Units: Internal Audit Unit, Legal Affairs Office, Human Resources Department
Review
This policy shall be reviewed every three (3) years, or sooner if required by legal or institutional changes.
Through this framework, the University of Thessaly reaffirms its commitment to human dignity, ethical conduct, and the absolute rejection of all forms of slavery, trafficking, and child exploitation.