Buyers issue joint statement on Myanmar
Organisations representing international buyers of footwear, garments and accessories have issued a joint-statement to express concern about the effects of the military coup that took place on February 1 in Myanmar.
Street protests have occurred in response to the coup and the eight organisations from the US and Europe who issued the statement said they were concerned about the military’s reaction to the demonstrations.
Footwear, garment and accessories account for one-third of Myanmar’s total exports and have more than tripled since 2016 to $5.8 billion per year. The sector is also a huge source of employment, with nearly 600 factories in the country employing approximately 500,000 workers.
They urged their member companies and all businesses sourcing from Myanmar to exercise “enhanced due diligence and supply chain monitoring to ensure respect for workers’ fundamental rights of opinion and expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly”.
The eight signatories of the statement are the American Apparel & Footwear Association, amfori, ETI Sweden, Ethical Trading Initiative, Ethical Trade Norway, Fair Labor Association, Fair Wear Foundation and Initiative for Compliance and Sustainability Social Accountability International.
