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ASOS reaffirms its continued support for Mauritius’ Migrant Resource Centre on Anti-Slavery Day

Jeremy Lim
18 October 2021

ASOS has announced the release of new funding for Anti-Slavery International to support the Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) in Mauritius today as it marks this year's Anti-Slavery Day.

The investment will contribute to the running of the centre and support Anti-Slavery International in continuing to provide technical advice, monitoring and learning support to the MRC’s staff.

The MRC was established as part of an innovative project funded with the Modern Slavery Innovation Fund of the UK Home Office, in collaboration with ASOS, Anti-Slavery International, IndustriALL and a local trade union, Confederation des Travailleurs des Secteurs Publique et Prive (CTSP), in 2019.

Since then, the MRC has been supporting and providing advice to migrant workers while facilitating access to remedy grievances.

The MRC aims to strengthen interaction with the national government including the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment and Training. Since February 2020, over 130 cases, which may include multiple workers from the garment and manufacturing sectors, have been referred to the Migrant Resource Centre for processing and resolution.

“The Migrant Resource Centre has been instrumental in giving migrant workers a route in Mauritius to raise grievances and access remedy, targeting modern slavery risks before they escalate. But to be successful long-term, all companies operating in Mauritius must support their workers to join unions and collectively bargain," said Ryna Sherazi, head of fundraising and communications at Anti-Slavery International.

"Fashion companies around the world should use their purchasing power to call for respect of freedom of association, particularly for migrant workers. Supporting worker-driven monitoring models and independent and democratic unions is key to preventing modern slavery."

The MRC also plays a crucial role in ensuring that ASOS, its suppliers, and other brands can identify and monitor human rights risks across the supply chain in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and its Global Framework Agreement.

Last month, ASOS also announced its industry-leading Fashion with Integrity 2030 programme, defining how it will continue its journey towards becoming a truly global retailer in a responsible and sustainable way. Be Transparent was highlighted as one of its goals, where ASOS aims to accelerate transparency and human rights within its supply chain and the wider industry.

Simon Platts, Responsible Sourcing Director at ASOS, said: We’re proud of the work we’re doing with our partners to make our industry better – but there’s always more to do, more voices to listen to, and new ways to empower the people behind our clothes. Migrant workers are at high risk of exploitation so the MRC addresses these vulnerabilities to ensure they can access the same level of rights and protection as all other workers.

"We’re incredibly grateful to be continuing this vital work alongside our partners at Anti-Slavery International, IndustriALL and CTSP, so that we keep ensuring our clothes are made with consideration to workers and their rights, and that they drive change across the fashion industry.”

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