Overview
- Amnesty International released two companion briefings on November 27 that synthesize fieldwork and a brand survey to document systemic denial of freedom of association in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
- The research draws on 88 interviews across 20 factories conducted between September 2023 and August 2024 and details harassment, dismissals, threats and violence against union organizers and members.
- Women workers are reported to face routine sexual and physical abuse and discrimination with little access to effective remedies.
- Legal and administrative barriers, including restrictions in Special Economic Zones, are cited alongside government inaction and employer tactics as key enablers of anti‑union repression.
- A November 2023 survey of 21 major brands found mixed engagement, with full responses from Adidas, ASOS, Fast Retailing, Inditex, Otto Group and Primark, partial replies from some including M&S and Walmart, and no information from Boohoo, H&M, Desigual, Next and Gap; Amnesty urges binding due diligence and points to models like the International Accord and the Dindigul Agreement.