Applied Science University Bahrain: Policy and Commitment Against Forced and Child Labor (SDG 8)

Formal Policy Framework on Forced Labor and Trafficking

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain has a formal “Policy against Forced Labour, Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Child Labour” (originally issued 2017 and updated 2021) that codifies the university’s zero‐tolerance stance toward all forms of labor exploitation [1]. This official policy is part of ASU’s HR and governance regulations, demonstrating the institution’s operational commitment to ethical labor standards. Key principles outlined in the policy include:

-Zero Tolerance

ASU will not tolerate forced labor, human trafficking, child labor, or modern slavery in any part of its operations, and it pledges to seriously investigate any reported instances [1].

-Preventive Measures

The University integrates preventive controls by requiring an online training module on anti-slavery and anti-trafficking for relevant new and existing staff (especially those in finance and procurement roles) [1]. Throughout 2019–2020, ASU rolled out this training and enhanced supplier due diligence procedures to ensure compliance with the policy [1].

-Enforcement and Cooperation

ASU’s policy commits to escalate any confirmed exploitative acts to the authorities and to cooperate with law enforcement in preventing and prosecuting offenders [1]. The University also updates its policy regularly (with a 2021 update adding further content and training provisions) to strengthen strategies against modern slavery and trafficking [1].

Notably, ASU’s policy framework extends across the institution’s management and supply chains. It is endorsed at the highest governance levels and applies to all faculty, staff, and contractors. The University’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (embedded in its bylaws) reinforces these values, underscoring ethical conduct and compliance with all labor laws [2] [3]. In sum, ASU has an explicit formal policy in place and active operational measures (training, monitoring, and policy reviews) to ensure that forced labor, human trafficking, and child exploitation are unequivocally prohibited within the University’s sphere.

Awareness and Educational Initiatives

ASU complements its policies with awareness-raising activities and education on labor rights and human exploitation. The University actively organizes and participates in events to sensitize its community about the dangers of forced labor, modern slavery, and trafficking:

-Training and Workshops

Completion of the online anti-trafficking training module is required for employees in key roles (e.g. finance, procurement), ensuring staff are educated about identifying and preventing modern slavery [1]. The University reports continuous efforts to “raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking and of the need for proper due diligence” among staff and suppliers as part of policy enforcement [1]. Additionally, faculty in the College of Law integrate topics of human rights and anti-trafficking in their curriculum and student activities, cultivating a culture of awareness. For example, ASU’s law students mark occasions like International Human Rights Day, discussing issues of worker rights and trafficking in line with Bahrain’s national efforts [3].

-Events and Community Engagement

ASU has been a venue for inter-university events focused on combatting human trafficking. In one such recent initiative (the “Universities Challenge” awareness event organized by the Bahrainouna Executive Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior), over 120 students from 12 universities competed at an ASU-hosted event aimed at raising awareness on human trafficking as a transnational crime [4]. ASU’s team won first place in this competition, underlining the university’s active engagement and leadership in anti-trafficking advocacy [4]. Furthermore, the ASU Community Engagement Office conducts outreach programs that support vulnerable children in the local community – for instance, organizing visits and activities for orphans and at-risk youth [1] – indirectly reinforcing the importance of protecting children from exploitation. These campaigns and educational efforts show that ASU not only has a written policy but also promotes its ethos through campus events, student involvement, and staff training.

Alignment with National Laws and International Standards

ASU’s policies explicitly align with Bahrain’s national laws and international conventions that prohibit forced labor, human trafficking, and child labor. The University abides by all relevant Kingdom of Bahrain legislation, ensuring its commitment is grounded in the legal framework of the country:

-Bahraini Labor and Trafficking Laws

Bahrain has robust laws against labor exploitation. Law No. 1 of 2008 on Combating Trafficking in Persons criminalizes “all forms of trafficking for the purposes of forced labor, slavery, prostitution, or any other form of exploitation.” [5] Violations carry stringent penalties including imprisonment and fines. Additionally, Legislative Decree No. 7 of 1999 (Abolition of Slavery and Slave Trade) reinforces the illegality of any slavery-like practices [1]. ASU’s policy affirms the University “must adhere to national laws against exploitation of humans” [1], reflecting these statutes. Indeed, ASU publicly supports Bahrain’s achievement of Tier 1 status in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons report – indicating full compliance with minimum standards – and commits to upholding the anti-trafficking standards that earned Bahrain that status [1].

-Child Protection Laws

The Kingdom of Bahrain’s legal framework includes strong protections for children. The Child Law (Law No. 37 of 2012) is the primary legislation safeguarding children’s rights – it addresses children’s health, education, and safety, and imposes penalties for child abuse or exploitation [6]. This law explicitly prohibits child labor in accordance with international standards. (Notably, Bahrain has acceded to the ILO’s Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) via Decree No. 12 of 2001 [6], obliging immediate measures to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.) Bahrain’s Labor Law (No. 36 of 2012) sets the minimum working age at 15 years (raised from 14 in the previous law) and restricts any employment of minors under 18 in hazardous work [5]. It is also unlawful to employ any juvenile under age 14 in any capacity [1]. ASU’s policy explicitly cites these laws and conventions – for example, affirming adherence to the Bahrain Child Law 2012 and the international standards it upholds [1] – to ensure the University’s practices meet all child protection requirements.

-Constitutional and Human Rights Commitments

Bahrain’s Constitution and its participation in international human rights agreements form the backdrop of ASU’s stance. The country’s Constitution forbids forced or compulsory labor except in narrow circumstances (such as national emergencies or court-ordered community service), thereby guaranteeing the rights of workers [3]. Bahrain has also ratified the U.N. Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons and other relevant treaties. ASU’s anti-exploitation policy aligns with these national commitments – a fact noted by ASU’s leadership. In an ASU publication, the Dean of Law highlighted that Bahrain’s reform agenda “ensures the rights of national and foreign workers and criminalizes human trafficking,” with Bahrain joining numerous agreements that promote respect for human rights [3]. ASU, as an academic institution in Bahrain, mirrors this legal and ethical stance, embedding compliance with all applicable labor laws and human rights standards into its own regulations [3].

By aligning its internal policies with Bahrain’s legal framework and international conventions, ASU guarantees that its commitment to decent work and justice is not in name only, but legally grounded. This alignment also facilitates external audits and reporting (for example, for Times Higher Education Impact Rankings – SDG 8 submissions) by providing verifiable evidence of compliance and enforcement.

Extension of Policy to Contractors and Supply Chain

Importantly, ASU’s commitment to prohibiting forced labor and exploitation extends to all third-party contractors, suppliers, and partners associated with the University. The official policy against modern slavery explicitly states that ASU will “refrain from dealing with any individuals or institutions” known to be involved (directly or indirectly) in human trafficking, forced labor, child labor or modern slavery [1]. In practice, this means that:

-Ethical Procurement

The University screens and conducts due diligence on its vendors and service providers. ASU has implemented supplier approval and monitoring procedures to uphold its anti-slavery standards [1]. If an outside contractor or supplier were implicated in labor exploitation, ASU’s policy mandates cutting ties with that entity [1]. This clause covers all forms of “dealing,” including procurement contracts, financing agreements, research collaborations, or any formal partnership [1]. By embedding this criterion, ASU ensures its supply chain and outsourced services are free from forced or child labor.

-Outsourced Labor Providers

Any labor hired through third-party agencies (such as cleaning, security, or construction services on campus) must also comply with Bahraini labor laws and ASU’s ethical standards. ASU’s procurement policies require adherence to the Kingdom’s labor regulations and the University’s own code of conduct. In cases where national law requires, for example, that all workers be of legal working age and working voluntarily, ASU contracts include compliance clauses. A partnership agreement between ASU and a UK university even noted ASU’s obligation to operate free of “compulsory labour or human trafficking” as per legal provisions [7]. This exemplifies ASU’s reputation of not only following local laws but also meeting international expectations (such as the UK Modern Slavery Act standards) in collaborations.

-Monitoring and Reporting

ASU did not receive any reports of modern slavery or trafficking incidents in the most recent reporting year, indicating effective enforcement of its policies [1]. Nonetheless, the University has established channels to report any concerns. Any member of the campus community or any stakeholder can report suspicious activity, and ASU pledges to investigate and act in coordination with authorities [1]. This oversight extends to activities of contractors on campus – for instance, ensuring that cleaning staff provided by an outside company have proper work visas, contracts, and no confiscation of passports (a known red flag for trafficking [8]). In short, ASU strives to ensure that no one working for or with the University, even indirectly, is subject to coercion or exploitation.

Through these measures, ASU’s anti-forced labor commitment permeates beyond its immediate employees to all affiliates. This comprehensive approach is in line with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), particularly Target 8.7 which calls for eradicating forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor. By instituting policy controls, awareness programs, and legal compliance across all levels, Applied Science University Bahrain demonstrates a clear and verifiable commitment to upholding decent work standards and protecting human rights in its operations.

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