M&S to stop sourcing in Myanmar amid concerns over human rights violations

// In partnership with the Moral Buying and selling Initiative, M&S can be making a “accountable exit” from Myanmar

// The retailer mentioned it will likely be taking a look at what extra measures it may put in place to mitigate the consequences of the choice on the person staff in Myanmar

Marks and Spencer has mentioned it will likely be making a “accountable exit” from sourcing in Myanmar by March 2023, amid considerations over human rights violations.

“The findings from the Myanmar Enhanced Due Diligence Sectoral Evaluation exhibit that it’s not possible for our world sourcing rules to be upheld,” mentioned an M&S spokesperson.

Myanmar’s navy regime has been accused of widespread violations of human rights after overthrowing the federal government and seizing energy final 12 months.

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Final month, the Moral Buying and selling Initiative (ETI) urged manufacturers and retailers sourcing from Myanmar to reassess their presence within the nation after publishing a report which mentioned that the ETI base code, an internationally recognised code of labour follow, has not met, which means it’s not doable for companies to use regular human rights due diligence.

The ETI mentioned within the Myanmar Enhanced Due Diligence Sectoral Evaluation that: “Ought to firms select to exit Myanmar they need to achieve this responsibly, and in session with social companions. The affect of exiting Myanmar on staff and their households, must be a transparent focus on this session.”

A spokeswoman for Marks and Spencer mentioned: “At Marks & Spencer, moral buying and selling is core to the way in which we do enterprise. We have now continued to watch the market intently in Myanmar, by way of our partnership with the Moral Buying and selling Initiative, in addition to on-the-ground audit course of.

“We don’t tolerate any human rights abuses inside any a part of our provide chain and at the moment are working in direction of a accountable exit from Myanmar, in step with our accountable exit coverage, which can see a full exit by March 2023.

“Over the subsequent six months, we are going to proceed to work intently with related stakeholders together with the Moral Buying and selling Initiative all through the session course of, to make sure that our suppliers adhere to nationwide legal guidelines and human rights are upheld. We’re additionally taking a look at what extra measures we are able to put in place to mitigate the consequences of the choice on the person staff in Myanmar.”

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