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The impact of the coronavirus crisis on supply chains, the legal or voluntary impact on human and labour rights, corporate responsibility and, last but not least, the question of an economy for the future – these thematic lines provided the framework for this year’s FEMNET student conference.

The future leaders of an industry that is in deep crisis and facing fundamental changes were given a comprehensive insight into the complex challenges of the global fashion and textile industry on two conference days. In total, more than 120 people attended the conference. In addition to 70 ‘regular’ participants and speakers, representatives of student initiatives, associations and organisations also participated in the conference.

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Civil society members look positively at established process but criticise exits of some companies

Berlin / Bonn / Munich. As part of the new review process, the Alliance for Sustainable Textiles is examining its member companies for the first time for the implementation of human rights, environmental and corruption-related due diligence obligations. The Supply Chain Act provides for similar obligations. As part of the review, independent experts have analysed the information provided by the companies and requested improvements in accordance with an OECD-compliant risk analysis and remedy. It became clear: In terms of risk analysis and measures, some companies still have a lot to do to comply with future legal requirements. As of today, the released reports will be made available to the public on the Alliance's homepage. More reports will follow in the coming weeks.

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Civil society members have a positive view of the established process, but criticise the exits of some companies.

Berlin / Bonn / Munich. As part of the new review process, the Alliance for Sustainable Textiles is examining its member companies for the first time for the implementation of human rights, environmental and corruption-related due diligence obligations. The Supply Chain Act provides for similar obligations. As part of the review, independent experts have analysed the information provided by the companies and requested improvements in accordance with an OECD-compliant risk analysis and remedy. It became clear: In terms of risk analysis and measures, some companies still have a lot to do to comply with future legal requirements. As of today, the released reports will be made available to the public on the Alliance's homepage. More reports will follow in the coming weeks.

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Cover image of the new brochure

As new data from the Fashion Checker shows, transparency remains the key to holding fashion companies accountable when workers, trade unions and activists ask them not to leave their workers in distress and despair during the pandemic. None of the fashion companies surveyed guarantees that workers in their supply chain will receive the same wage as before during the pandemic - let alone a living wage. In addition, the data from the Fashion Checker show users the gap between a living wage and the actual wages paid in the factories.

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Threats and job losses persist, health status of imprisoned trade unionist critical

After it became quieter in the meantime in the reporting of the situation in Myanmar, atrocities of the military once again shape the headlines. The textile workers in particular are suffering from the continuing uncertain situation. Trade unions are calling for economic sanctions against the country and the military, which has now also led to the repositioning of some multi-stakeholder initiatives and brands. Human rights organizations, meanwhile, are calling for the release of the sick imprisoned trade unionist Myo Aye.

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We know repair cafés from pre-pandemic times as a way to meet new people and repair garments to extend their wearing time. As a result, you can not only save money, but also do something good for the climate and the environment.

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The accumulated knowledge of consulting work on fair public textile procurement

For people who want to deal with fair public procurement, some questions arise. Why is it worth it? What are the legal frameworks? What steps are needed for sustainable textile procurement? And what strategic considerations do I need to make for sustainable procurement?

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The lives of textile workers are at risk. While the Delta virus variant is spreading in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the garment factories are working at full capacity. Textile workers are exempted from lockdown to meet orders from brand manufacturers headquartered in countries with high vaccination rates.

In a letter initiated by the Clean Clothes Campaign, trade unions and civil society organisations from around the world address political and business leaders and call on them to take immediate action.

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This summer, we are painfully reminded that the climate crisis does not spare any country in the world. And it threatens the fundamental rights of millions. Those who contribute the least to global warming and are least able to counteract its effects are the first and most severely affected.

With its inaction on climate protection, the German government is harming people inside and outside Germany. That has to change.

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The petition in its wording (PDF file)

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