M&S making ‘responsible’ exit from Myanmar

British multinational retailer, Marks and Spencer (M&S), has said that it will “responsibly exit” the Myanmar market by March 2023, amid concerns over human rights violations.

In order to make sure that its suppliers abide by local laws and uphold human rights, Marks and Spencer will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders over the next six months, including the Ethical Trading Initiative during the consultation process.

The Ethical Trading Initiative encouraged retailers last month to reconsider their presence in Myanmar after releasing a report claiming that the nation’s widely acknowledged code of labor practices had not been followed. This indicates that there is evidence of egregious human rights abuses in the garment manufacturing industry and that it is impossible for firms to undertake standard human rights due diligence in Myanmar.

The ETI said in its report that should enterprises opt to quit Myanmar, they must do so ethically and in cooperation with social partners,” the ETI stated in its study. In this consultation, there needs to be a strong focus on the effects of leaving Myanmar on workers and their families.

Marks and Spencer said that at Marks & Spencer, ethical trading is fundamental to how they conduct business. Through their association with the Ethical Trading Initiative and their on-site audit process, they have kept a careful eye on the market in Myanmar. The results of the Myanmar Sectoral Enhanced Due Diligence Assessment show that it is impossible to uphold their global sourcing principles. They are currently working toward a responsible exit from Myanmar in accordance with their Responsible Exit Policy, which will see a full exit by March 2023. They do not tolerate any human rights abuses inside any area of their supply chain. They’re also considering what further steps they may take to lessen the impact of the choice on individual Myanmar workers.