Clothing discounter Primark has announced that it will withdraw from the country amid the situation in Myanmar, which is currently under a military regime following a coup last year.
This decision follows the Ethical Trade Initiative’s (ETI) independent assessment of human rights and responsible business conduct in the region, which it set out in a recently released report.
According to ETI, their typical business standards in Myanmar’s garment sector are currently not being met, which in turn is affecting the companies’ ability to conduct normal human rights due diligence.
In its report, the organization concluded that there was “evidence of forced labor” in the sector and urged fashion retailers to end ties with their Myanmar-based suppliers.
Primark expressed concern about the situation, noting that prior to the report it used its ethical audit program and partnerships in the region to monitor its presence in the country. However, the company decided to make future decisions based on ETI’s assessment.
“As a responsible company, the safety and well-being of the people who make our clothing and products is our top priority. We are also aware of the workers whose livelihoods depend on employment in our suppliers’ factories,” Primark said in a statement.
The brand said its “only option” is to work towards an exit from the country, which it will do in collaboration with partners and stakeholders in Myanmar.
Primark added that during the lockdown, the company is currently evaluating further measures to support workers in its suppliers’ factories.
This translated article originally appeared on FashionUnited.uk.