All News & Press Releases

© BCWS

On the 10th. In December 1948, the United Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but even after 75 years, human rights are still being violated worldwide. Particularly in Bangladesh's garment sector, enforcing the right to a safe workplace remains a challenge. For this reason, FEMNET supports a groundbreaking pilot the Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), which aims to improve the working conditions of workers by introducing occupational accident insurance.

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© Eva Beyer

Joint press release by FEMNET , ECCHR and Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.

Berlin, Bonn, Karachi. New research by Pakistani trade unions National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) and HomeBased Women Worker’s Federation (HBWWF) and the German human rights organisations FEMNET and ECCHR show that even the minimum wage is often not paid in the supply chains of German companies: The report: "No contracts, no rights: How the fashion industry is cheating its workers on minimum wages Exposes alarming labour rights violations in textile factories in Pakistan that have been ongoing for years and calls for immediate action by fashion brands. The German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), which entered into force on 1 January 2023, requires companies to ensure compliance with labour rights in their value chains. For this reason, the authors of the study informed those companies named by the workers surveyed, which are covered by the new law, about the labour rights violations committed by their producers in Pakistan. While many of the brands have not yet taken effective action, the law has been instrumental in ensuring that some companies now take responsibility for their due diligence obligations.

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© Scukrov - iStockphotos.com

Joint press release from FEMNET and Global Nature Fund (GNF)

Bonn. The German health sector contributes significantly to the environmental impact and is responsible for a considerable 5 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions. A critical analysis shows that about 60 percent of these emissions are caused by the prescription of drugs and another 23 percent by the purchasing sector. This also includes work clothes and bed linen. The Fair Wear Works project by FEMNET and the Global Nature Fund (GNF) starts right here and offers demand-oriented workshops for healthcare institutions.

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© NGWF

Joint press release by FEMNET, SÜDWIND Institute, INKOTA network and HEJSupport

The recently set minimum wage in Bangladesh for garment workers at 12,500 taka per month (106 euros) continues to lead to protests and riots. Workers are deliberately injured, abducted, wrongfully charged, imprisoned, imprisoned or even killed. However, there has been no concrete support for the trade unions' demands for a higher minimum wage from purchasing companies so far. Until 26.11.2023 is now the last opportunity to take an effective position.

 

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© Anastasia Shuraeva - Pexels.com

Joint press release from Global Nature Fund and FEMNET

Fair Wear Works and Sporthandel Fair call on sports clubs to turn Black Friday into Fair Friday and to discount only sustainably produced fan articles. FC St. Pauli leads by example and participates in Fair Friday. The ‘Fair Wear Works’ project supports sports clubs and regional sports associations in making their textile purchases sustainable.

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© CCC

Joint press release by FEMNET and the Clean Clothes Campaign

Bonn/Berlin. The government of Bangladesh on Tuesday set the new minimum wage for the country's 4.4 million garment workers at 12,500 taka per month (106 euros). The amount is far below the 23,000 taka demanded by trade unions. According to studies, this amount is necessary for a decent life in Bangladesh. Although many fashion brands say they are committed to living wages, few support the unions' demand. For workers in the garment sector, the new minimum wage means that they will continue to struggle to survive and will be forced to work excessive overtime, take out loans, skip meals or even send their children to work instead of school.

 

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© FEMNET

Following this motto, FEMNET launched the student network fashion interACTION on 27 September 2023. During the digital opening event, interested parties were given insights into the collaborative development of the network, into the program for the coming months and all other possibilities that fashion interACTION offers.

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© FEMNET

At the beginning of the week, Robert Habeck, Federal Minister of Economics, announced that he would suspend the reporting obligation for companies. In doing so, he wants to relieve the burden on companies, which are then only to report on compliance with their due diligence obligations in accordance with European directives. Many business-oriented media and trade associations welcome this step, which Habeck says should be implemented as soon as possible. However, it is ignored that this exposes an essential pillar of the German Supply Chain Act for the observance of human rights and the protection of the environment.

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Motto of the campaign: For a supply chain law because it puts an end to profits without conscience

© Initiative Supply Chain Act

During these weeks, the details of the EU Supply Chain Act will be negotiated. At the same time, the catastrophic impact of the global climate crisis on people and the environment is unmistakable: This is mainly due to the textile industry, which is one of the largest greenhouse gas producers. The use of chemicals puts people and natural resources at risk. There is no question: Climate action cannot wait – and the EU Supply Chain Act can contribute to this.

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© FEMNET

On 13 September 2023, the Ministry of Development (BMZ) awards the Engagement Award for outstanding personal commitment in development cooperation for the fifth time. With the engagement award in the categories of young and long-standing commitment, the BMZ honours personalities who are particularly involved in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. At a ceremony at the Ministry in Berlin, Development Minister Svenja Schulze honours five award winners, including FEMNET CEO Dr. Gisela Burckhardt.

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