Transparentem, Uzbek Forum for Human Rights
An investigation by NGO Transparentem links labour violations – including forced and child labour – on cotton farms in India to 60 multinational apparel brands, including Adidas, Amazon, American Eagle, ASDA, Carrefour, Columbia Sportswear, Gap and others.
The investigation, spanning 90 cotton farms in Madhya Pradesh, revealed reports of debt bondage, wage violations and hazardous working conditions, including children handling pesticides.
Cotton from the farms was traced to the apparel brands via three Indian textile suppliers: Pratibha Syntex, Remei India, and Maral Overseas. Transparentem sought comments from all companies named in the report.
Meanwhile, a report by the Uzbek Forum for Human Rights highlights the risks and responsibilities faced by German companies sourcing from Uzbekistan’s cotton and textile industries. The report criticises agricultural producer Indorama Agro after the company allegedly threatened criminal charges against human rights groups monitoring the company’s alleged violations, which include land seizures, worker misclassification, suppression of union activities, and unpaid labour under threat of reprisal.
