Improving global supply chains: Transparentem's fight for labour and environmental justice

Improving global supply chains: Transparentem's fight for labour and environmental justice | Photo: Ehteshamul Haque Adit

In an era where sustainable development, social justice, and corporate accountability are paramount, ensuring ethical practices within global supply chains has become a pressing issue. Organisations like Transparentem are at the forefront, working to expose and remediate labour and environmental abuses. Through rigorous investigative research and strategic corporate engagement, Transparentem plays a crucial role in holding companies accountable and driving systemic change in industries that have long been marred by exploitation and environmental degradation.

Unveiling hidden abuses in global supply chains

Transparentem is a non-profit investigative organisation committed to transforming industries by partnering with workers and communities to uncover unethical practices in global supply chains. Its research has brought to light systemic issues such as child labour, forced labour, gender-based violence, and severe environmental damage across multiple sectors, including factories, tanneries, spinning mills, forestry sites, mines, and farms.

These investigations provide evidence-based reports that document serious human rights violations and environmental harm, focusing on the most vulnerable workers, including migrant workers, women, and children. Transparentem presents its findings to corporations and stakeholders, pushing them to implement both immediate and long-term remediation strategies at the source of their supply chains.

A rigorous investigative process

Transparentem’s work is grounded in holistic, evidence-based investigations that uncover widespread abuses across industries and regions.

Their approach involves:

·       On-the-ground research: A dedicated team of field investigators and analysts collect information directly from affected workers and communities through interviews and surveys.

·       Open-source intelligence gathering: Transparentem uses publicly available data, including corporate records, financial documents, and regulatory filings, to trace supply chain connections.

·       Supply chain analysis: By mapping relationships between suppliers, manufacturers, and brands, Transparentem provides a detailed picture of which companies are implicated in unethical practices.

·       Multimedia documentation: Where appropriate, evidence such as photographs, video recordings, and documents are collected to corroborate findings and strengthen advocacy efforts.

By following the highest standards of investigative journalism, Transparentem ensures that its reports are accurate, specific, and, most importantly, actionable. The organisation maintains strict independence from companies it investigates, upholding transparency and integrity in all its work.

Engaging companies for systemic change

Once Transparentem identifies severe environmental abuses or human rights violations, it delivers confidential reports to companies currently or recently sourcing from the implicated suppliers. This process allows corporations an opportunity to commit to and implement remediation measures before the findings are made public.

Transparentem’s corporate engagement includes:

·       Meetings with executives to discuss findings and present supporting evidence.

·       Providing remediation recommendations based on international labour and environmental standards.

·       Encouraging industry-wide collaboration, urging companies to work with their suppliers and peers to develop systemic solutions.

·       Connecting corporations with social assessment organisations, worker advocacy groups, and labour rights organisations to support remediation efforts.

Throughout the process, Transparentem offers companies a window of time to commit to and implement necessary changes, monitoring their progress and holding them accountable.

Public disclosure and advocacy

If companies fail to take meaningful action, Transparentem prepares a comprehensive public report for policymakers, investors, journalists, and advocacy groups.

This report includes:

·       Findings from all investigated worksites.

·       Context for the investigation and supply chain linkages.

·       Company responses and assessments of implemented remediation efforts.

·       Recommendations for further industry-wide reforms.

Once the report is released, Transparentem collaborates with external stakeholders to apply additional pressure on corporations, ensuring that brands and suppliers take sustained, long-term action to prevent further exploitation.

Recent findings and industry impact

In 2024, Transparentem conducted an investigation into Taiwan’s textile industry, uncovering severe labour abuses affecting migrant workers at nine major suppliers. These abuses included debt bondage, wage theft, and poor working conditions. More than 40 companies sourcing from these suppliers were alerted, leading to several initiating remediation efforts.

In India, Transparentem’s investigations revealed the use of child labour and debt bondage in cotton farming and spinning mills. These workers were paid well below legal minimum wages, trapping them in cycles of extreme poverty. The exposure of these exploitative practices has prompted discussions on enhancing due diligence mechanisms and implementing traceability systems in the textile industry.

Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Transparentem’s mission aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

·       SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: By exposing forced labour, child labour, and unfair wages, Transparentem advances the fight for fair employment conditions and economic inclusion.

·       SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: By advocating for ethical supply chains, the organisation promotes sustainable industrial practices.

·       SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Transparentem’s investigative work contributes to greater corporate transparency and stronger legal frameworks to protect vulnerable workers.

The role of the global society

Ensuring ethical supply chains requires global collaboration. Governments, businesses, and consumers all play a vital role in demanding transparency and accountability. By supporting organisations like Transparentem, individuals and institutions can contribute to the eradication of exploitative practices, the promotion of environmental sustainability, and the advancement of human rights protections.

The work of Transparentem demonstrates the urgent need for ongoing vigilance and proactive intervention in global supply chains. Through thorough investigations, corporate engagement, and public advocacy, Transparentem is driving meaningful change in industries historically plagued by exploitation. Their efforts underscore the power of transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices in shaping a more just and sustainable global economy.

For more information on global efforts to promote ethical supply chains, visit Transparentem's official website.