Labor Exploitation Policy

Policy Statement

In alignment with An-Najah National University’s (ANNU) mission to uphold human dignity, social justice, and ethical responsibility, this policy affirms the University’s absolute commitment to the prevention and elimination of all forms of labor exploitation. 

ANNU maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor, both within its operations and throughout its supply chains, partnerships, and affiliated programs.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

1. Establish a comprehensive institutional framework for preventing and addressing all forms of labor exploitation.

2. Ensure ethical and lawful employment practices throughout the University’s operations, programs, and partnerships.

3. Promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and human rights protection.

4. Align ANNU’s internal practices with national labor regulations and international commitments such as the ILO Conventions on Forced Labor and Child Labor.

5. Support the University’s contribution to a fair, sustainable, and inclusive labor environment in Palestine.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All University employees, including academic, administrative, and technical staff.

• Students, interns, volunteers, and temporary workers engaged in University-related activities.

• Suppliers, vendors, contractors, and partner institutions providing goods, services, or collaborations with the University.

• Any University-sponsored project, research, or initiative within or beyond campus boundaries.

All parties engaged with ANNU are required to uphold the principles outlined in this policy as a condition of their employment or partnership.

Definitions

• Forced Labor: Any work or service performed involuntarily under threat, coercion, or penalty.

• Modern Slavery: Situations where individuals are exploited through control, coercion, or deception for personal or commercial gain, including bonded labor or servitude.

• Human Trafficking: Recruitment, transportation, or harboring of persons by force, fraud, or coercion for exploitation.

• Child Labor: Employment or engagement of children below the legal minimum working age as defined by Palestinian Labor Law No. (7) of 2000 and ILO Conventions 138 and 182.

• Labor Exploitation: Any unfair or abusive labor practice that violates workers’ rights, including unpaid labor, wage withholding, unsafe conditions, or discrimination.

• Decent Work: Employment that is productive, fairly compensated, safe, and respectful of labor rights and social protection.

Principles

1. Zero Tolerance: ANNU strictly prohibits forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor in all forms.

2. Voluntary Employment: All employment at ANNU must be freely chosen, with employees having the right to resign or terminate their employment under lawful and fair conditions.

3. Fair Compensation: The University guarantees payment of at least the minimum living wage as established by the Palestinian Council of Ministers Decision No. (121) of 23 August 2021, and is committed to equal pay for equal work without discrimination based on gender, age, or background.

4. Safe and Dignified Work Environment: ANNU ensures that all employees and workers operate under safe, healthy, and non-discriminatory conditions.

5. Ethical Procurement: The University’s suppliers, contractors, and partners must comply with the same labor standards. Non-compliance will result in review or termination of contracts.

6. Transparency and Accountability: ANNU maintains open reporting channels, internal monitoring, and transparent grievance mechanisms.

7. Respect for Human Rights: All labor practices align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ILO Core Conventions.

Responsibilities

• University Leadership: The President, Vice Presidents, and Deans are responsible for ensuring this policy’s full implementation and integration into University governance and operational practices.

• Human Resources Department: Oversees compliance with fair labor standards, ensures ethical recruitment, and maintains wage equality and transparency across the institution.

• Procurement Department: Ensures that all suppliers and contractors adhere to labor rights standards. Procurement contracts must include compliance clauses aligned with this policy.

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Committee: Monitors inclusion, equal pay practices, and protection from exploitation in recruitment and employment.

• All Staff and Students: Must uphold the principles of this policy and report any suspected cases of exploitation through established grievance mechanisms.

Compliance and Enforcement

• ANNU complies with Palestinian Labor Law No. (7) of 2000, the Council of Ministers Decision No. (121) of 2021, and all related national and international labor standards.

• Violations of this policy—including tolerance of exploitative practices—may result in disciplinary action, contract termination, or legal referral to appropriate authorities.

• The University conducts regular audits and reviews to assess compliance across departments and partnerships.

• External contractors are required to sign compliance statements as part of contractual agreements.

Support and Resources

• ANNU provides training programs and awareness workshops for staff, students, and partners on recognizing and preventing labor exploitation.

• The Human Resources Department and EDI Committee offer confidential consultation, advice, and support to individuals affected by or concerned about potential labor exploitation.

• The University collaborates with local NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations to promote ethical labor standards and share best practices.

Reporting and Accountability

• Any member of the University community may report suspected or actual cases of labor exploitation confidentially to:

  • The Human Resources Department, or

  • The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

• Reports are treated with strict confidentiality, fairness, and non-retaliation guarantees.

• All complaints are investigated promptly, and appropriate corrective or disciplinary action is taken.

• Findings and actions may be reviewed by the University’s Legal Affairs Department and reported in annual Ethics and Compliance Reports.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed annually or as required by updates in national legislation or international labor standards. Feedback from staff, students, and external stakeholders will be integrated to ensure that the policy remains effective, transparent, and aligned with evolving human rights practices.

Effective Date: October 16, 2018

Review Date: Jan 22, 2025