In March, a UN committee expressed concern about China’s treatment of its Muslim minority.
Canada’s business ethics watchdog on Thursday announced inquiries into the Canadian units of Walmart (WMT.N) and Hugo Boss (BOSSn.DE) to investigate allegations of Uyghur forced labor in chain stores. stores, purchases and business operations.
Canada’s Corporate Accountability Ombudsman (CORE) said it released an initial assessment report following complaints from a coalition of 28 civil society organizations in June 2022.
CORE will also investigate the Canadian subsidiary of Italian fashion company Diesel, owned by Italian company OTB (OTB.L). It has already opened investigations into Nike Canada (NKE.N), Dynasty Gold (DYG.V) and Ralph Lauren (RL.N).
“As mediation between the parties is not currently an option, we will initiate investigations into the allegations outlined in these reports,” CORE Mediator Sheri Meyerhoffer said in a statement.
None of the three companies was immediately available for comment. CORE said all three denied the allegations.
In March, a UN committee expressed concern over China’s treatment of its Muslim minority, including the use of forced labor against Uyghurs. China denies these accusations.
CORE was launched in 2019 to monitor and investigate human rights abuses, primarily by Canadian apparel, mining, oil and gas companies operating overseas.
Fountain: Reuters
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