Global fashion brands are continuing to make responsible exit from Myanmar as human right violations increase in the garment sector.
Primark announced to leave the country last month and the latest to join the exit spree is UK-based Marks & Spencer.
“At Marks & Spencer, ethical trading is core to the way we do business. We have continued to monitor the market closely in Myanmar, through our partnership with the Ethical Trading Initiative, as well as the on-the-ground audit process,” stated M&S in a press release.
According to the brand, the findings from the Myanmar Enhanced Due Diligence Sectoral Assessment demonstrate that it is impossible for its Global Sourcing Principles to be upheld.
“We do not tolerate any human rights abuses within any part of our supply chain and are now working towards a responsible exit from Myanmar, in line with our Responsible Exit Policy, which will see an exit by March 2023,” said M&S.
Over the next six months, M&S will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders including the Ethical Trading Initiative throughout the consultation process, to ensure that its suppliers adhere to national laws and human rights are upheld.
“We are also looking at what additional measures we can put in place to mitigate the effects of the decision on the individual workers in Myanmar,” concluded M&S.
