Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy

Basnet Attorneys & Law – A Premier Law Firm in Bhutan 

Effective Date: February 2, 2025

1. Introduction

Basnet Attorneys & Law is firmly committed to upholding human dignity, fairness, and the rule of law. The Firm rejects and condemns all forms of modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, servitude, and any practice that exploits or undermines the inherent rights of individuals. This Policy affirms our dedication to ensuring that all aspects of our operations, professional engagements, and supply chains remain free from such conduct and reflect the highest legal and ethical standards.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to establish a clear and comprehensive framework for preventing, identifying, and addressing any risks of modern slavery or human trafficking within the Firm’s internal operations or external relationships. It outlines the principles, responsibilities, and procedures that guide our approach to maintaining an ethical, transparent, and legally compliant environment.

3. Scope

This Policy applies to all partners, lawyers, staff members, and interns within Basnet Attorneys & Law, regardless of position or seniority. It also extends to all vendors, suppliers, contractors, service providers, and any third parties who supply goods or services to the Firm or act on its behalf in any capacity, whether within Bhutan or internationally. All such individuals and entities are expected to adhere to the standards set out herein.

4. Policy Commitments

The Firm is committed to maintaining employment and hiring practices that respect individual rights and ensure that no person is subjected to coercion, exploitation, or unethical recruitment. We conduct appropriate due diligence on suppliers and service providers to minimise risks of forced labour or trafficking within our supply chain. The Firm complies with all applicable Bhutanese laws, international human rights norms, and recognised best practices concerning labour rights and anti-trafficking measures. We maintain a work environment that is free from intimidation, abuse, discrimination, or any form of mistreatment, and we expect all persons associated with the Firm to uphold these standards.

5. Reporting and Remediation

Any individual associated with the Firm who becomes aware of, suspects, or observes any indicator of exploitation, coercion, or trafficking must report the concern immediately to the Managing Partner or the designated Compliance Officer. The Firm will review and investigate all reports promptly, fairly, and confidentially to the extent possible. Where wrongdoing is identified, the Firm will take appropriate corrective and remedial actions, which may include terminating relationships with responsible parties and fully cooperating with competent authorities in accordance with legal requirements.

6. Training and Awareness

Basnet Attorneys & Law provides periodic training and awareness programmes to ensure that all personnel are equipped to recognise potential signs of modern slavery and human trafficking and understand the correct procedures for raising concerns. These efforts support a culture of vigilance, responsibility, and proactive risk management across the Firm.

7. Review

This Policy is reviewed annually, or more frequently where necessary, to ensure continued relevance, effectiveness, and alignment with evolving Bhutanese legal requirements, international standards, and best practices in preventing modern slavery and human trafficking.