The world's second-largest fashion retailer, H&M, has announced plans to gradually phase out sourcing from Myanmar due to mounting reports of labor abuses within the country's garment factories. The move follows similar decisions by other major brands, including Inditex (owner of Zara), Primark, and Marks & Spencer.
H&M said the decision was made after "extensive deliberation" and that it was no longer possible to uphold its operational standards in Myanmar. The company is also investigating approximately 20 allegations of labor abuses, including forced overtime and wage theft.
The decision to exit Myanmar is a major blow to the country's garment industry, which employs millions of people. However, H&M said it would work with its suppliers to ensure a "responsible exit" that minimizes the impact on workers.
The company's decision is also a sign of the growing pressure on businesses to take a stand against human rights abuses. In recent years, there has been a wave of corporate activism, with companies increasingly being held accountable for their actions in supply chains around the world.
The decision by H&M and other major brands to exit Myanmar is a significant step in the fight against labor abuses. It sends a strong message to other businesses that they cannot turn a blind eye to human rights violations.
