Weekly Update 31 July
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
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The Daily Star, Apparel Resources, Ethical Trading Initiative, BGMEA
Garment workers in Bangladesh are reportedly facing increased work hours, unreasonable production deadlines, and are at risk of unpaid wages after factories were forced to close amid violent government crackdowns on student-led demonstrations against Bangladesh’s employment quota system. ?
During the 4-day closure period, Bangladesh’s garment industry lost an estimated USD150m a day. With factories gradually reopening, Bangladesh's garment factories are reportedly under immense pressure from international brands to meet shipment deadlines ahead of the Christmas season. Suppliers also reported a 30-40% reduction in orders, as buyers follow a 'go-slow' policy in response to the unrest, waiting to confirm future orders or prices for goods. Suppliers have subsequently reported fears regarding paying workers' July salaries, related to the months losses and lack of confirmation from buyers.
Organisations such as Ethical Trading Initiative and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) - Bangladesh’s largest trade association – have urged global brands to adjust their expectations and purchasing practices to adapt to these circumstances, by extending production timelines, engaging with suppliers, and committing not to seek discounts on delayed orders. Labour leaders in Bangladesh have urged factories to avoid wage reductions, guarantee timely wage payments without layoffs, and ensure worker security following the deaths of 5 garment workers killed during the protests.
Visit our?Who Pays For The Crisis??portal?for the latest news and allegations related to purchasing practices and worker rights.
FROM US
BUSINESS & HUMAN RIGHTS IN FOCUS
RIDE-HAIL RULINGS: In the USA, California’s Supreme Court has upheld a landmark ruling permitting app-based ride-hailing and delivery services such as Uber and Lyft to treat workers as independent contractors rather than as employees entitled to greater benefits. The decision ends a legal battle between labour unions and tech companies over a law dictating the status of app-based service workers in the state, and marks defeat for unions that fought to secure more rights for drivers. Conversely, in South Korea, the Supreme Court has ruled that drivers of the ride-hailing service Tada are employees of parent company Socar, under the Labor Standards Act. This marks the first instance in which the Supreme Court has acknowledged the employee status of online platform labourers and could influence future cases, potentially leading to the recognition of employee status for platform workers across various industries.?
MINING REFORMS IN AFRICA: Sub-Saharan African trade unions are pushing for the implementation of human rights due diligence and responsible business practices in the mining of critical minerals as their countries shift from high to low carbon energy sources. At a forum in Lusaka, Zambia, discussions highlighted the need to protect worker and community rights. The unions aim to mitigate human rights impacts and emphasise collective bargaining and adherence to International Labour Organization standards. Meanwhile, Botswana has introduced a proposed bill requiring mining companies to sell a 24% stake to locals if the government does not exercise its option to acquire a 15% shareholding. The proposed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill seeks to ensure that the benefits of mining projects are shared with citizens.?
SOCIAL MEDIA UNDER SCRUTINY: TikTok Lite - a data-saving version of the app aimed at users in poorer markets - allegedly lacks key safety features present in the full version of the app. A report alleges that TikTok Lite does not label AI-generated content or provide notices for graphic or dangerous content, leaving up to 1 billion users, primarily in the Global South, with fewer protections and less information about potentially misleading content. A TikTok spokesperson said ‘content that breaks our rules is removed from TikTok Lite the same way as our main app and we offer numerous safety features’. Meanwhile, Facebook and Instagram algorithms are allegedly pushing sexist and misogynistic content to blank accounts without user input in Australia.?Meta did not respond to journalists requests for comment.
AROUND THE WORLD
AFRICA
Spotlight:
Witness Radio
36 CSOs allege that Uganda’s largest producer of grains and oilseeds forcibly evicted thousands of people from their land to expand its farming operations. The evictions reportedly violate international human rights laws. The CSOs have also raised concerns about alleged severe human rights abuses accompanying the evictions, including a lack of adequate compensation; violations of Indigenous Peoples’ right to free, prior, and informed consent; abduction, arrest, torture, and judicial harassment of human rights defenders; and sexual violence against women and girls.?
? We invited Agilis Partners to respond to the allegations; it did not.??
Other news from the region:
AMERICAS
Spotlight:
The Guardian
A Brazilian federal court has ordered cattle rancher Dirceu Kruger, owner of Madeiras Floresta Verde, to pay over USD50m for illegally deforesting part of the Amazon rainforest. This marks the largest civil climate crime case sought by Brazil’s attorney general’s office, which intends it to be ‘just the first of a series of actions that seek to repair the climate damage caused by the destruction not only of the Amazon, but of all Brazilian biomes’. The decision has yet to be finalised by the court.
Other news from the region:
ASIA & PACIFIC
Spotlight:
PAKISAMA
San Miguel Corporation's subsidiary, Bricktree Properties, is accused of harassing Indigenous seaweed farmers on?the Marihangin and Bugsuk islands?in Palawan, attempting to force them to leave the islands as part of a plan for a 25,000-hectare beach resort. On June 29, 16 armed men allegedly invaded the island with firearms. The company has reportedly been pressuring locals to leave since October 2022.?
? We invited San Miguel Corporation to respond to the allegations; it did not.?
Other news from the region:
EUROPE & CENTRAL ASIA
Spotlight:
Green Alternative
The East-West highway (E-60) construction in Georgia, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and European Investment Bank (EIB), has been criticised for causing environmental damage and safety hazards. Reports by Green Alternative reveal that frequent landslides, road closures, and structural failures have caused concerns among locals, some of whom have requested resettlement due to the risks. Despite complaints and a grievance mechanism, only limited improvements have been reported.??
??We invited the World Bank to respond to the allegations; it did not.??
?? We invited ADB and EIB to respond. ADB clarified the E-60 road comprises 4 sections, and stated ‘the areas identified in the referred article are not part of the ADB financed sections of the E-60’. EIB said it has been in contact with the?project promoter, other financiers and Green Alternative regarding the issues.??
Other news from the region:
MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA
Spotlight:
My República ?
The workers, initially recruited by Osho Recruiting for gardening jobs at Tornado Group, were allegedly assigned to forest management and date picking under harsh conditions. The workers allege several labour rights violations, including unsuitable living conditions with insufficient food, water, and medical facilities, recruitment fee charging and unpaid salaries. The workers allegedly faced threats after informing Osho Recruiting Agency of their situation. The workers are requesting repatriation from the UAE.
? We invited Osho Recruiting to respond to the allegations; it did not. ?
?? We invited Tornado Group to respond; it refuted the allegations and outlined the measures it has implemented to ‘ensure fairness and transparency in line with UAE regulations’.
Other news from the region:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Checklist on responsible business conduct for companies operating in Ukraine Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, BHRRC
This checklist was developed to help businesses operating in Ukraine and those which have value chain activities in the country to identify and manage key human rights risks that arise or are significantly exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.?
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