NGOs call on EU to tackle unfair purchasing practices

BRUSSELS – A group of NGOs have called on the European Commission to address unfair purchasing practices in fashion supply chains as part of the upcoming Sustainable Corporate Governance directive. Clean Clothes, Industriall, Human Rights Watch and Anti-Slavery International are among eight rights groups urging the EU to devise regulations which “ensure responsible purchasing practices by businesses to ensure decent work conditions for workers in producing countries and a sustainable post-crisis economic.”

The NGOs cite research by the International Labour Organisation which shows how poor purchasing practices by fashion brands impede supply chain partners’ ability to respect labour rights and minimise the environmental impacts of their activity.