The Canadian entity responsible for overseeing corporate ethics, known as the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE), announced on Tuesday that it has initiated an investigation into Ralph Lauren’s Canadian division. The aim of this investigation is to delve into allegations surrounding the apparel retailer’s operations and supply chain in China, specifically concerning the potential use or endorsement of Uyghur forced labor.
This action from CORE stems from a series of complaints filed against the Polo shirts manufacturer by a coalition of 28 civil society organisations in June of 2022. Following these complaints, CORE conducted an initial assessment and has now released a comprehensive assessment report.
The report discloses specific accusations indicating that Ralph Lauren had established supply relationships with Chinese companies that either directly employed or reaped benefits from the utilisation of Uyghur forced labor. This raises serious concerns about the brand’s association with such practices.
It’s worth noting that CORE is concurrently conducting a similar investigation into Nike Canada, prompted by allegations that this sportswear giant has also been linked to supply chains or operational networks in China that have been flagged for using or benefiting from Uyghur forced labor.
Over the past couple of years, a growing number of major multinational corporations based in the United States and Canada have come under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in employing Uyghur forced labor, either within their own operations or within their supply chains.
CORE’s primary role involves monitoring and investigating instances of human rights violations associated with Canadian businesses operating abroad. This scope primarily encompasses companies in the garment, mining, and oil and gas sectors.
