H&M will begin to “phase out” sourcing from suppliers in Myanmar, as reports of labour abuse cases in the country’s garment factories surge.
The fashion retailer joins Zara-owner Inditex, Primark and M&S in cutting ties with suppliers in the country.
“After careful consideration, we have now taken the decision to gradually phase out our operations in Myanmar,” H&M told Reuters on Thursday.
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“We have been monitoring the latest developments in Myanmar very closely and we see increased challenges to conduct our operations according to our standards and requirements.”
The move follows the retailer’s announcement that it was investigating 20 alleged labour abuse cases at its Myanmar garment factories, following pressure from advocacy groups on the treatment of factory workers.
Up to 156 cases of alleged worker abuses in the country’s garment factories were recorded by a UK-based human rights advocacy group from February 2022 to 2023, a sharp increase from the 56 tracked in the year prior.
H&M said its withdrawal would follow a “responsible exit framework”, developed by global union IndustriALL, which has been campaigning for brands to stop doing business in Myanmar.
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