Cotton and Cotton Products Made With State-Imposed Forced Labor: When Disengagement Is The Only Responsible Course Of Action

Feb 13, 2025 | 1:00 PM - 2:15 PM

Description

Organised by: Cotton Campaign Coalition, End Uyghur Forced Labor Coalition, Anti-Slavery International Join us for a session addressing state-imposed forced labor in global apparel supply chains, with a focus on two emblematic cases: forced labor of state employees in the annual cotton harvest in Turkmenistan and forced labor of Uyghurs in China, within and outside the Uyghur Region. State-imposed forced labor is systemic and is enforced at all levels of government. In such contexts, disengagement from all direct and indirect business relationships is the only responsible course of action under the OECD Guidelines and the UNGPs. With EU law now recognizing the differential nature of state-imposed forced labor and requiring immediate disengagement when it is present, a better understanding of its presence, drivers, and characteristics in the cotton and textile sectors is more necessary than ever. Experts will discuss state-imposed forced labor, specifically: - How companies cannot use or increase leverage to prevent or remediate forced labor - Barriers to engaging in credible and effective due diligence on the ground to effect change for workers - Common concerns on disengagement, including unintended consequences for workers - Practical steps companies should take to identify and eliminate exposure More information and registration