A leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs, The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), has urged global retailers and brands that are sourcing from Myanmar to reassess their presence in the country following what is claimed to be the most comprehensive study so far in the human rights’ implications.
The report, based on interviews with 3,120 workers from 70 factories in Myanmar and discussion with key cross-sector stakeholders, says that there is clear evidence of gross human rights’ abuses in the apparel industry since last year’s military coup.
The ETI is still stopping short of advising fashion companies to pull out of Myanmar and says they need to recognise there will be significant impacts on garment workers whatever action they decide to take.
A statement by ETI says that under United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP) Principle 19, companies will have to consider the severity of the adverse impact on human rights: The more severe the abuse, the more quickly the enterprise will need to see change before it takes a decision on whether it should end the relationship.
Therefore, where companies fail to demonstrate considerable progress in line with Principle 23, they must reconsider their presence in the country. During this period, business must refrain from making any additional investments in Myanmar.
It further adds that if companies should choose to exit Myanmar they must do so responsibly, and in consultation with social partners. The impact of exiting Myanmar on workers and their families, needs to be a clear focus in this consultation.
