New guidance for Vietnam’s apparel and footwear industry
Business and Human Rights
The Australian Human Rights Commission has today released new human rights guidance, in partnership with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), for the apparel and footwear industry in Vietnam.
The purpose of this Guidance is to support business in understanding some of the key human rights challenges in the apparel and footwear industry and how to appropriately respond.
Vietnam’s apparel and footwear industry is one of its most important industries, accounting for nearly 20% of exports and employment of approximately 2.5 million people. As Vietnam capitalises on its promising economic growth and development, many challenges exist to the realisation of rights in the apparel and footwear industry, particularly following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Globalisation has created opportunities but also many challenges for human rights. COVID-19 has highlighted the cracks in the global economy and the vulnerabilities faced by those in global supply chains,” said Commission President, Emeritus Professor Rosalind Croucher.
“The Commission is delighted to partner with VCCI to further the common goal of embedding respect for human rights into business activities,” said Emeritus Professor Croucher.
The Guidance was developed under the ‘Advancing Responsible Business Conduct’ Project, a collaboration between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Commission.
The program is supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
