Femnet e.V.

The Coronavirus pandemic is one of the most severe health, humanitarian and economic crises of our time. Outbreaks are affecting all segments of the population in every corner of the globe, however the health and economic impacts of the virus are being borne disproportionately by the poorest and most vulnerable. The effects of COVID-19 and associated restrictions could be felt for decades.

Companies have a responsibility to respect the rights of workers and other stakeholders in their operations and across their supply chains at all times. Fulfilling this responsibility is more essential than ever in the present climate, especially where the most vulnerable workers and communities are concerned.

This is why WBA decided to supplement the 2020 CHRB assessment with a separate study, which considers how the same 229 companies have been impacted by, and have responded to, the increased human right risks and impacts associated with the COVID-19 crisis.

By carrying out this separate study, WBA wanted to explore the response of the private sector to COVID-19. The aim was to identify examples of best practice, where companies have demonstrably placed respect for human rights at the heart of their approach, as well as to highlight instances where companies may have been falling short and, therefore, where increased accountability is needed.

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This guide is divided into three sections:

• In Part 1, the guide defines traceability and explores its history, benefits and challenges, including an overview of current collaborative schemes on traceability.
• In Part 2, the guide demonstrates a model for best practice in traceability, and provides an overview of the different models of traceability and the global initiatives operating in the arena.
• In Part 3, the guide provides guidance to companies around the world, large and small, on how to effectively engage in traceability.

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The annual report 2016 of the Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) focuses on three topics: Fashion and textiles, environmental costs of products and sustainable consumption.

Fashion and textiles – The prize of beauty: Every year, there are up to twelve new collections in the clothing stores on Germany's high streets. But this fast fashion is having a huge impact on the environment and on the people who live in manufacturing countries.

Environmental costs of products – Money and the environment: A flight to Barcelona for EUR 20, a kilogramm of pork for EUR 3 - we're still miles away from full ecological prices. This might cost us dearly in the future. What should the state do?

Sustainable consumption: The dominant lifestyle choices and consumption patterns of people in industrialised countries are identical testing the resilience of the global environment.

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Gender-based violence at work is a violation of human rights and a major barrier to decent work and the dignity, safety and security of workers. Gender-based violence and sexual harassment, especially in the form of violence and verbal abuse against women workers, are common, under-reported and inadequately addressed problems, most frequently found in sectors where women represent the majority of factory or farm workers. Tackling these problems requires appropriate law enforcement systems, effective social dialogue, better awareness among employers, practical workplace initiatives, and strategies to reach and give voice to those workers who are most affected.
The practical strategies suggested in this ITCILO Resource Kit aim to facilitate the implementation of legislation, while also forging new approaches to addressing gender-based violence in the workplace.
The resource kit is meant for a broad audience: from global companies to MSIs and stakeholders as well as trade union and NGOs.

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Thousands of Syrians whhave fled their war-torn home country are working in Turkey’s apparel factories. Most of them dnot have work permits and are desperate tearn an income, which makes them highly vulnerable texploitation by employers. Many Syrians in the Turkish garment sector are getting paid below the minimum wage, even though they work long hours in unhealthy and dangerous conditions. Cases of employment of Syrian refugee children have alsbeen reported. Turkey is the third-largest non-EU garment-exporting country tSweden and Norway after China and Bangladesh, and an important sourcing market for the Nordic clothing brands H&M, KappAhl, Lindex, Gina Tricot and Varner (BikBok, Cubus, Carlings, Dressman, Urban et al.). This study investigates how these five brands are tackling the risk of abuse and discrimination of Syrian refugees in their supply chains in Turkey.

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