Middle East Technical University (METU) strictly prohibits and opposes all forms of forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking, and child labor across its internal employment, operations, and external supply chain. This commitment is embedded within Turkish Statutory Employment Law (Labor Law No. 4857 and Civil Servants’ Act No. 657) and formally operationalized through METU's official Academic Freedom, Integrity, Inclusiveness and Equality Framework.

1. Zero Tolerance for Exploitation and Modern Slavery in Campus Operations and Supply Chains

Under its institutional equality and integrity commitments, METU explicitly enforces a zero-tolerance policy against exploitation across both its immediate community and third-party contractors:

• Eradication of Exploitation in Supply Chains: METU explicitly commits to "Opposing all forms of exploitation (child labor and modern slavery) in its suppliers and contractors." All university procurement contracts, external services, and campus construction/catering logistics require strict compliance with national labor laws and anti-exploitation standards.
• Statutory Compliance & Legal Safeguards:
• Turkish Labor Law (No. 4857): Statutorily prohibits forced labor, mandates strict minimum working age limits, and regulates young worker protection rules in compliance with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
• Civil Servants’ Act (No. 657): Guarantees merit-based, voluntary public employment with strictly regulated working hours, fair remuneration, and statutory worker rights.

http://sustainablecampus.metu.edu.tr/en/policies