Latest developments from the International Accord

A total of 54 brands and retailers have thus far signed the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.

The Accord commemorates 10 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.

The International Accord participated in the 4th UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights organized by UNDP Business and Human Rights Asia from 20-22 March 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

35 signatories to the International Accord have signed the Pakistan Accord to ensure worker safety in the country’s textile and garment industry.

The International Accord participated in the 2023 OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector held online and offline (Paris, France) from 13-17 February 2023.

The International Accord organised a virtual side session on 13 February as a part of the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector to discuss the challenges & opportunities for the recently launched Pakistan Accord.

Accord Steering Committee member brands BESTSELLER, C&A, H&M, Inditex, Otto Group, and PVH Corp. have signed the Pakistan Accord.

Article 40 of the International Accord provides that the parties to the agreement will explore the expansion of the scope to address human rights due diligence.

Signatories to the International Accord are establishing a new workplace health and safety program in Pakistan covering signatories’ garment and textile suppliers.

This briefing includes updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, brand-supplier meetings, new Pakistan Accord office and the capacity building program in Pakistan.

The International Accord and a team of Arup engineers conducted pilot safety assessments at 7 garment and textile factories in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan, between 28 November to 9 December 2022.

The Accord Secretariat conducted brand surveys, desk research, and in-depth interviews between October 2021- January 2022 to measure interest, presence, and volume of signatory brands in key garment-producing countries.