Abuses of Human Rights Uncovered in the Worldwide Leather Trade Chain
The Fair Labor Association and Impactt have released a groundbreaking report, focusing on enhancing worker conditions in parts of the leather supply chain where risks to workers are highest and visibility is lowest. The comprehensive study, which involved the examination of over 100 research papers, articles, opinion pieces, media reports, and other documents, aims to drive accountability and inspire collective actions towards a more equitable leather industry.
The report, which includes a study of the leather industry in Brazil and profiles of both the global leather industry and the leather industry specific to Brazil, emphasizes the need for companies to build traceability and accountability upstream in their supply chains. It suggests that companies invest in their own traceability solutions, engage with third-party organizations on certifications and assessments, collaborate on solving existing issues, and have an exit strategy for high-risk countries.
Raquel Fisch, principal consultant at Impactt, stated that workers in farms, slaughterhouses, and tanneries often face harsh conditions with little oversight or recourse. The global leather supply chain has human rights issues at every stage, including child labor, exposure to chemicals, compensation issues, and discrimination.
The report highlights that 47% of leather is used in the manufacturing of footwear and 10% is used for apparel. Sustainability and sourcing are key areas of focus in the report, with the authors stressing the importance of conforming to global standards to improve worker conditions in the leather industry.
Countries affected by child and forced labor in leather goods and accessories production outside Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan, India, and Mexico include China, Indonesia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Additional 15 countries were cited for using child labor, forced labor, or both, to produce bovine or cattle, the main source of leather hides.
The report calls for a more equitable industry that ensures dignity and respect for all workers at all levels of a company's global supply chain. It offers a roadmap for companies to design systems that prioritize the realities of the workers most affected. The report was conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) and involved a survey of 19 industry stakeholders.
In 2022, the global leather industry was valued at $243 billion and is expected to grow at a rate of 6.6% from 2023 to 2030. The findings of the report are intended to establish dialogue between the meatpacking and leather apparel industry, with the aim of improving worker conditions and ensuring a more sustainable future for the industry. The report aims to drive accountability and inspire collective actions towards a more equitable leather industry.
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