The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) and WRAP have released new joint guidance specific to responsible sourcing in conflict zones. Responsible sourcing in conflict-zone areas is challenging due to a variety of reasons, such as government/military intervention, land disputes, transit of workers, transit of materials and finished product, armed militia funding, imposed sanctions, unstable energy prices, mass migration, and exploitation. Weak governance and lack of enforcement exacerbate these issues, making workers vulnerable to excessive overtime, underpaid/unpaid labor, and dangerous working conditions.
The questions and recommendations outlined in this guidance are designed to help companies assess potential impacts of conflicts on suppliers, workers, and production timelines before making abrupt decisions. In the face of an ever-changing geopolitical climate, the industry’s commitment to ethical sourcing must remain consistent. By using this framework, buyers can reduce risk, uphold their responsibilities to supplier partners and workers, and reinforce the shared values that define AAFA and WRAP’s approach to responsible supply chain management.
You can watch the Industry Fireside Chat featuring WRAP President and CEO Avedis Seferian and AAFA Executive Vice President Nate Herman where they discuss this guidance and other joint social compliance publications.
AAFA and WRAP, as AAFA’s Official Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Partner, have periodically issued joint publications providing guidance on responsible sourcing practices, including on supply chain challenges like forced labor, assessing social compliance of new suppliers, in-factory social compliance guidance for non-CSR personnel, and working hours.
