FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hong Kong, November 29^th, 2023 – The Mekong Club has launched a new solution to enhance ethical business practices in global supply chains.

The Supplier Portal is an open-source repository that offers user-friendly tools, empowering factory managers to identify and address forced labour risks within their facilities and supply chains. It includes a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section and a confidential and secure space where brands and suppliers can ask questions and seek guidance anonymously.

It is a public open-access portal available in multiple languages, such as Bangla, Malay, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Hindi, Thai, and English, with additional languages slated in the coming months.

The portal was developed in consultation with industry leaders and introduces tools and resources for suppliers to implement buyers’ requirements in alignment with evolving global legislation. Social audits have long been relied upon as a tool for ensuring supplier compliance. Yet, they often lack the comprehensive scope to effectively address labour rights abuses throughout the value chain.

“The Mekong Club has been extensively working with brands and retailers to shape Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) and anti-slavery policies. The way forward was to create tools to enable suppliers to effectively take part in these initiatives. There is an urgent need for brands and retailers to build trust, enhance communication and provide support to their suppliers,” said Clémence Aron, Programme Director at the Mekong Club.

The Mekong Club invites other organizations that have created tools for suppliers or SMEs to contribute these resources to the portal.

In line with the constantly evolving global laws, three crucial tools were released in November 2023, namely the Forced Labor Indicators tool, the Transparency Legislation Guide for Suppliers, Self-assessment Questionnaire Template, and an Anonymous FAQ Forum. These tools can be utilized by businesses to detect and resolve forced labour risks in their own operations and supply chains.

Forced Labour Indicators:  This tool provides a detailed description, an example, and potential sub-indicators for each category of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) forced labour indicators. Its purpose is to help companies identify and pinpoint forced labour risks in their operations and supply chains.

Transparency Legislation Guide for Suppliers:  This document offers a concise overview of how anti-slavery and Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) legislation affects businesses that engage in global supply chains. It is intended to help businesses meet their responsibilities under such legislation.

Self-assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) Template:  Designed to streamline the process, this template guides suppliers through a structured assessment process to identify forced labour risks. It is tailored to aid in pinpointing forced labour risks, while also gathering pertinent data crucial for social audits and other assessments in a more efficient manner.

Anonymous FAQ Forum: Developed to delve into complex subjects like child labour, Human Rights Due diligence (HRDD), and recruitment fees in our FAQ forum. Brands and suppliers can anonymously seek answers from peers or receive expert insights from the Mekong Club team.

Additional resources will be incorporated gradually.

Translation into additional languages is scheduled for the coming months.

For more information about the Supplier Portal and the Mekong Club’s mission to promote ethical business practices and transparency in supply chains, please visit our supplier portal or contact us at [email protected].

About The Mekong Club

The Mekong Club is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting ethical business practices and transparency in supply chains through public and private sector engagement. Through innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships, the Mekong Club empowers businesses to create a lasting positive impact on society.

Media Contact

Caterina Foti

Project Manager

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