H&M Group is deeply concerned by reports from civil society organisations and media that include accusations of forced labour and discrimination of ethnoreligious minorities in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). We strictly prohibit any type of forced labour in our supply chain, regardless of the country or region. If we discover and verify a case of forced labour at a supplier we work with, we will take immediate action and, as an ultimate consequence, look to terminate the business relationship. All our direct suppliers sign our Sustainability Commitment that clearly states our expectations with regards to forced labour and discrimination linked to religion or ethnicity, for their own operations as well as their supply chains. With a diverse and global supply chain involving more than 1,700 manufacturing factories around the world employing 1,6 million people, and many more throughout our supply chain, our work to ensure the respect and compliance with international labour standards is continuous. We are committed to respecting human rights and our approach is guided by the UN Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights and OECD Guidelines for responsible business conduct.
H&M Group is today present in over 80 countries with retail and sourcing operations. As a global business, we are required to comply with regulatory frameworks and expectations in all markets we operate in. We closely monitor evolving legislations, such as mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence, as well as relevant updates to trade and import regulations and practices.
It is essential for our business success to have close and responsible partnerships with all our suppliers and to contribute to the growth and development in the communities where we operate.
Due diligence
We systematically conduct due diligence which aims to identify and address any risks in our supply chain – from manufacturing to farm level. Feasible and effective due diligence requires collaboration and engagement in a transparent and honest way on company, industry and government levels. H&M Group is a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), an alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs, that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe, and we look to the analysis and recommendations as outlined in ETI’s position statement.
Xuar
We do not work with any garment manufacturing factories located in XUAR, and we do not source products from this region. We transparently disclose names and locations of manufacturing factories, mills and yarn producers in our public supplier list and will continue to do so and further accelerate this transparency for our global supply chain.
In addition, we have conducted an inquiry at all the garment manufacturing factories we work with in China aiming to ensure that workers are employed in accordance with our Sustainability Commitment, and that they comply with our migrant worker guideline.
We are also working with experts and other stakeholders to further strengthen our due diligence and address any situation in a responsible way.
XUAR is China’s largest cotton growing area, and up until now, our suppliers have sourced cotton from farms connected to Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) in the region. As it has become increasingly difficult to conduct credible due diligence in the region, BCI has decided to suspend licensing of BCI cotton in XUAR. This means that cotton for our production will no longer be sourced from there. Furthermore, in collaboration with the industry and supply chain partners, we will continue our work to strengthen the traceability of cotton.
I've got a strong foundation in sustainability, ethical business practices, and human rights in the corporate landscape. The H&M Group statement on due diligence regarding their supply chain practices, especially in regions like the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), resonates with my expertise.
The H&M Group's approach aligns with industry standards and international frameworks, notably the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for responsible business conduct. Their commitment to addressing forced labor issues, irrespective of the country or region, is crucial in the current socio-political climate.
To touch upon the concepts you mentioned:
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Home Sustainability: This encompasses environmentally friendly practices within households, from energy-efficient appliances to waste reduction strategies. It involves personal choices that contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.
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Fair & Equal Human Rights: Ensuring equal rights for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, or ethnicity. Fair treatment and opportunities for everyone are fundamental human rights.
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H&M Group Statement on Due Diligence: This statement emphasizes the company's zero-tolerance policy towards forced labor and discrimination. It highlights their commitment to ethical practices, which involves thorough scrutiny and proactive measures to address risks within their extensive supply chain.
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Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR): This region has been under scrutiny due to reported human rights violations, including forced labor. The H&M Group explicitly states they don't work with garment manufacturing factories in XUAR and have ceased sourcing products from this area due to concerns about human rights abuses.
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Due Diligence: The systematic process undertaken by H&M Group to identify, address, and mitigate risks within their supply chain. Collaboration with stakeholders, transparency, and adherence to industry standards are pivotal in their approach.
H&M Group's decision to halt sourcing from the XUAR, despite its significance in cotton production, reflects their commitment to ethical practices. Moreover, their collaboration with industry partners and organizations like the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) to strengthen traceability further underscores their dedication to sustainable and responsible sourcing practices.
