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H&M has reportedly launched an investigation into 20 alleged instances of labour abuse at Myanmar garment factories, according to Reuters.
This is in relation to a report by the non-governmental organisation, the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) which is set to be released on Wednesday (16 August).
The BHRRC tracked 156 cases of alleged worker abuses in Myanmar garment factories between February 2022 to February 2023.
This was an increase from 56 in the previous year, indicating a deterioration of workers’ rights following a military coup in February 2021.
The most common allegations were wage reduction and wage theft, followed by unfair dismissal, inhumane work rates, and forced overtime.
H&M said in a statement: “All the cases raised in the report by BHRRC are being followed-up and where needed remediated through our local team on the ground and in close cooperation with relevant stakeholders.
“We are deeply concerned by the latest developments in Myanmar, and we see increased challenges to conduct our operations according to our standards and requirements. We are monitoring the current situation very closely and evaluating it in close dialogue with relevant local and international stakeholders.”
