US urged to tackle forced labour with collective approach

24 Jul '20

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

Several US trade associations recently urged the government to set up a multi-stakeholder working group to develop and deploy a collective approach that accurately assesses the problem of forced labour in supply chains, identifies constructive solutions to raise transparency, and protects both the rights of workers and the integrity of global supply chains.

The call follows the launch of the NGO Call to Action, the recent publication of several new reports on the issue, the signing into law of the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act and the release of a business advisory by the US state, treasury, homeland security and commerce departments regarding supply chain risk in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China.

The trade associations—the National Retail Federation (NRF), the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and the United States Fashion Industry Association (USFIA)—said they want to reiterate their continued focus on identifying and eradicating forced labour.

“As an industry representing thousands of brands and retailers, ensuring that forced labor does not exist in our supply chains is a key priority,” an NRF press release said on behalf of all the associations.

A successful solution for all involved, above all the workers themselves, will require state-to-state engagement and collaborative partnerships across government, industry, labour advocacy groups, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders, they added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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