Project partners:
Empowering Vulnerable in Organizations and Local Vision against Exploitation
In Italy, modern slavery is a hidden but pervasive reality, affecting thousands of people, especially migrants and vulnerable youth. Young people are often the most exposed victims of underpaid, forced and irregular labour, particularly in informal economies and in specific sectors such as agriculture, among others. Tackling this emergency is crucial to protect human rights and build a future of inclusion and dignity for new generations. In this framework, the RES.m HUB research centre proposes a research-intervention on the Piacenza community.
The goals of the project are to identify and fight forms of exploitation, in particular forced and underpaid labour, with a focus on vulnerable young people and migrants in Piacenza. It is intended to raise awareness in the local community, improve knowledge of the phenomenon and promote prevention actions. The project will be carried out through:
- Field research: interviews and surveys in the most exposed sectors (logistics, agriculture).
- Awareness-raising campaigns: public meetings, information material and community outreach campaigns.
- Institutional collaboration: working with local authorities, schools and associations to promote awareness.
- Working with companies: working with companies to promote decent work conditions.
The focus: the community in collaboration with businesses
The project is based on an integrated approach that combines community awareness-raising and collaboration with businesses to promote ethical practices. In addition, continuous monitoring and the adoption of transparent business protocols help to create a replicable model to prevent exploitation at the local level. The project is characterised by the use of data collected in the field through surveys and interviews, which will allow precise mapping of areas and sectors at risk. Finally, the active collaboration with schools and young people ensures intergenerational involvement, which is fundamental for lasting cultural change.
The project is realized with the contribution of Piacenza and Vigevano Foundation.