AMSTERDAM – Fair Wear has launched a new Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Academy, a platform designed to help fashion brands navigate human rights issues in supply chains. The academy’s introduction was met with optimism during a virtual event that drew hundreds of professionals from the fashion and textile sectors. Lara Wolters, a member of the European Parliament, joined Fair Wear’s director Alexander Kohnstamm to present the academy’s mission and offerings.
Wolters, who has been a vocal advocate for the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), highlighted the academy’s potential to help brands understand and meet their obligations under the new legislation. “The HRDD Academy offers brands the clarity they need to meet their human rights obligations,” Wolters said. “With the new legislation, we’re giving companies a clear path to follow, making it easier for them to align with ethical practices while staying competitive. The academy is a vital tool in turning these ideals into practical, achievable outcomes.”
The HRDD Academy is an interactive online platform built to equip brands with the tools needed to implement responsible practices throughout their supply chains. It includes self-paced learning paths tailored to specific industry needs, along with expert guidance on crucial topics such as living wages and gender equity, developed from Fair Wear’s extensive experience in garment supply chains.
To assist brands in managing their HRDD processes, the academy also provides action-oriented tools like risk scoping, which enables companies to conduct and oversee their human rights due diligence with precision and confidence. Additionally, the academy fosters a sense of community by offering collaborative networking opportunities, allowing brands to connect and work on initiatives together.
Christian Smith, head of ESG stakeholder engagement and reporting at Zalando, expressed his support for the new platform. “The HRDD Academy equips brands with a comprehensive understanding of human rights due diligence,” he said. “Fair Wear’s alignment with OECD standards gives our conversations with brand partners added credibility and confidence, making it easier to drive meaningful change in our supply chains.”
The academy is open to all garment and footwear brands globally. Brands interested in enrolling can find more details at www.hrddacademy.com or by reaching out via join@fairwear.org.
Fair Wear’s mission centres on advancing human rights in the garment industry by fostering an environment where social dialogue leads to safe, dignified, and properly compensated employment.
