Primark to halt Myanmar sourcing on ETI guidance

In view of the developing situation in Myanmar, which is now under military rule following a coup last year, fast fashion retailer Primark has said that it will be making a “responsible exit” from the country.

Its choice is in response to the independent evaluation of human rights and ethical business practices in the area conducted by the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI), which was recently detailed in a report.

The ETI asserts that the garment industry in Myanmar is now not operating in accordance with its usual business norms, which has an effect on firms’ capacity to do customary due diligence with respect to human rights.

The organization’s investigation finally came to the conclusion that there was “evidence of forced labor” in the industry and recommended clothing companies to sever relations with their suppliers headquartered in Myanmar.

Primark voiced its worry about the circumstance and made note that, in advance of the publication of the study, it was using its ethical audit program and relationships in the area to keep an eye on its operations in the nation. But it chose to use ETI’s analysis when making choices in the future.

In a release, the retailer said that as a responsible business, the safety and wellness of the people who manufacture our clothing and goods are their first priority. They are also mindful of the people whose survival depends on their job in the factories run by their suppliers.

The company claimed that its “only alternative” was to start making plans for its departure from the nation, which it will do in coordination with local partners and stakeholders.

It continued by saying that it is presently investigating further steps that may be used to help employees in the factories of its suppliers.