Purpose and Commitment

The Hellenic Mediterranean University is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and social responsibility in all aspects of its operations. As a public academic institution, the University recognises its responsibility to prevent modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and all forms of exploitation within its community and across its supply chains.

Modern slavery is a severe violation of fundamental human rights. The University unequivocally condemns these practices and is committed to ensuring that its procurement, partnerships, and operational activities remain free from any form of exploitation.

This policy outlines the principles, responsibilities, and measures adopted by the University to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking and to promote transparency and accountability throughout its supply chains.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The University’s actions are guided by the relevant national, European, and international frameworks addressing modern slavery and human trafficking, including:

• The Greek Penal Code provisions on human trafficking and exploitation
• Law 4198/2013 on the prevention and combating of trafficking in human beings
• EU Directive 2011/36/EU on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings
• EU Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement
• The Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings
• The UN Palermo Protocol
• ILO Conventions on Forced Labour and Child Labour

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All University staff, academic and administrative
• All contractors, suppliers, and service providers
• All University‑funded projects, partnerships, and procurement activities
• All individuals or organisations acting on behalf of the University

Principles and Expectations

• Zero Tolerance

The University maintains a zero‑tolerance stance toward modern slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and child labour in any form.

• Ethical Procurement

The University expects all suppliers and contractors to uphold labour rights, comply with applicable laws, and ensure that their own supply chains are free from exploitation.

• Transparency and Accountability

The University is committed to transparent procurement processes and to taking reasonable steps to identify, assess, and mitigate risks of modern slavery.

Measures and Actions

Supplier Due Diligence

The University incorporates social‑responsibility and human‑rights criteria into its procurement processes. This includes:

• Assessing suppliers’ compliance with labour and human‑rights standards
• Requiring declarations of ethical conduct
• Excluding suppliers involved in human trafficking or forced labour

Reporting

Any concerns or suspicions regarding modern slavery or human trafficking must be reported immediately to the University authorities. Reports will be handled confidentially and investigated promptly.

Collaboration

The University cooperates with national authorities, labour‑inspection bodies (SEPE), and partner institutions to support broader efforts to prevent trafficking and exploitation.

Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation, regulatory guidance, or institutional priorities. Updates will be published on the University’s website.