Agency addresses concerns over poverty campaign’s white bands
-06/06/05
Following press articles which drew attention to the sourcing from China of the white silicon bands promoting the Make Poverty History Campaign, aid agency Christian Aid have released a statement saying that it has been working to address concerns identified over the working conditions in the factory which produces the white bands.
These concerns only related to the silicon bands, not to the cloth or other versions.
In a statement, Christian Aid said that it acted in good faith in relation to the purchase and distribution of the bands.
Before placing its initial order it said that it had sought and received assurances that the supplier complied with ethical trading standards with regard to working conditions in the Chinese factory producing the bands.
“After receiving those assurances, we, together with many other members of the Make Poverty History coalition, placed an order” the statement said.
However concerns were subsequently raised over certain practices in the factories.
“As soon as we became aware of those concerns we worked with the supplier on a plan to correct those practices. This plan is ongoing and is already bearing fruit” the aid agency said.
Christian Aid could have dropped the supplier, but this is contrary to best practice under the Ethical Trading Initiative.
“Such a move would leave workers without an income and change nothing” Christian Aid said.
“By remaining faithful to this supplier we are better able to make a difference to the lives and conditions of those Chinese workers.”
To buy a band online go to www.mphshop.com
Agency addresses concerns over poverty campaign’s white bands
-06/06/05
Following press articles which drew attention to the sourcing from China of the white silicon bands promoting the Make Poverty History Campaign, aid agency Christian Aid have released a statement saying that it has been working to address concerns identified over the working conditions in the factory which produces the white bands.
These concerns only related to the silicon bands, not to the cloth or other versions.
In a statement, Christian Aid said that it acted in good faith in relation to the purchase and distribution of the bands.
Before placing its initial order it said that it had sought and received assurances that the supplier complied with ethical trading standards with regard to working conditions in the Chinese factory producing the bands.
“After receiving those assurances, we, together with many other members of the Make Poverty History coalition, placed an order” the statement said.
However concerns were subsequently raised over certain practices in the factories.
“As soon as we became aware of those concerns we worked with the supplier on a plan to correct those practices. This plan is ongoing and is already bearing fruit” the aid agency said.
Christian Aid could have dropped the supplier, but this is contrary to best practice under the Ethical Trading Initiative.
“Such a move would leave workers without an income and change nothing” Christian Aid said.
“By remaining faithful to this supplier we are better able to make a difference to the lives and conditions of those Chinese workers.”