After other Canadian brands or stores like Nike Canada, Lévis-Strauss, Ralph Lauren Canada, Zara Canada is accused by a Canadian government agency of having used the forced labor of Uighurs to have its clothes manufactured. Around thirty civil society organizations have filed a complaint to this effect, based on investigations carried out in particular by an Australian NGO.
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With our correspondent in Montreal, Pascale Guéricolas
At issue in the investigation by the Canadian Ombudsman for Corporate Responsibility are the relationships that Zara Canada maintains with three Chinese companies. This organization ensures that Canadian companies respect United Nations principles relating to human rights. However, in his report, he points the finger at the forced labor of Uighurs.
Several factories, located in the Xinjiang region where this minority lives, have allegedly flouted labor rules. According to the complainants, Zara Canada was aware of the situation with its suppliers but did not take appropriate measures to remedy it since May 2019.
On several occasions, the Canadian Ombudsman wanted to obtain the collaboration of the store chain. In vain. Zara Canada considers the complaint against its activities inadmissible. The company considers that it is not based on facts. All this does not prevent the Canadian organization from continuing to conduct its investigation.