Issara Institute is an independent NGO (U.S. 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation) based in Asia and the United States tackling issues of human trafficking and forced labour through worker voice, partnership, and innovation. The Institute was established in 2014 by a team of anti-trafficking experts coming out of the United Nations who created an alliance of private sector, civil society, and government partners to address labour issues in global supply chains.

The Issara Model

Worker Voice: They are on the ground, operating as a network, speaking the many languages and dialects of job seekers and workers in Asia. Being on the ground, trusted, and connected allows them to receive, cross-check and verify, and action emerging issues, and also safeguard workers reporting and/or suffering abuses.

Partnerships: Partnerships with global brands and retailers open up opportunities to engage with their suppliers, the recruiters working with those suppliers, and the workers within these workplaces. Strong partnerships with all these stakeholders across the supply chain create space for worker voice to be heard and responded to in a safe, timely, and effective manner.

Innovation: Asian workers have smartphones and are savvy. Issara develops technologies to help to educate job seekers and workers, and empower worker voice. They build it themselves in-house to ensure worker-centered design and ethical handling of sensitive data.