The Uzbek Forum for Human Rights released a new report on the challenges and risks for companies sourcing from Uzbekistan’s cotton and textile industries. Even though this report has a particular focus on German companies and their responsibilities under EU and German legislation to maintain a supply chain that protects human rights, there are tips here for all global brands and retailers required to do conduct risk-based due diligence.
Brands who are sourcing indirectly from Uzbekistan, or who have a risk of being connected to Uzbekistan, would need to adapt their due diligence processes to address such a challenging context. This includes a risk-based assessment which reflects the situation, addresses specific risks and impacts, and provides remedy when adverse impacts occur. Brands and retailers also need to publicly account for their due diligence in such a way that stakeholders have sufficient confidence in it. …
… What is missing is more granular evidence of corporate knowledge of their supply chain, including how and where their cotton is produced.
Engagement with workers, farmers and civil society on the ground is crucial to fill that knowledge gap and ensure the contextual information necessary to adequately assess risk. Given the limitations of certification schemes to reliably identify, prevent, mitigate and remedy rights risks, brands and retailers should consider entering into supplementary sourcing agreements that include enforceable worker co-governed mechanisms that would enhance human rights due diligence.