Prof. Laura Murphy
Laura Murphy is a globally recognised expert on modern slavery and one of the leading voices on forced labour in the Uyghur region. A professor and seasoned researcher, she has spent two decades documenting the realities of forced labour across the world—from bonded labourers in India to trafficked youth in North America and exploited workers in West Africa.
Her groundbreaking work on state‑imposed forced labour in Xinjiang has reshaped international understanding of how goods made under coercion flow through global supply chains.
Known for centring survivor voices, Laura’s research exposes not only the mechanisms of exploitation but also the failures and politics within the anti‑trafficking sector itself.
She is a powerful advocate for corporate accountability, strong legislation, and ethical procurement, urging governments and businesses alike to stop importing goods made with forced labour. Despite the complexity of the issues she tackles, Laura remains driven by hope—grounded in the resilience of survivors and her unwavering belief that oppressive systems can and must be dismantled.
Actions Laura recommends you take to fight modern slavery:
Integrate a modern‑slavery lens into your professional work—whether in programming, editing, healthcare, business, procurement, or any other field—to help identify risks and support ethical practice.
Make more ethical purchasing decisions, including buying fewer items, choosing recycled or second‑hand goods, and selecting products with traceable, responsibly sourced materials such as locally grown cotton.
Contact your favourite brands to ask how they prevent forced labour in their supply chains, using emails or social posts to push companies toward greater transparency and accountability.