Pakistan Develops Human Rights Code for Textile Sector
In a major step toward protecting worker rights, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating to introduce a Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) Code of Conduct for Pakistan’s textile industry. This code aims to guide companies in upholding human rights across their supply chains, with a special focus on informal workers and local communities.
A recent two-day workshop in Faisalabad brought together industry stakeholders, including home-based workers, to discuss implementing the HRDD Code. Key priorities included educating informal workers on their rights and ensuring companies actively avoid human rights violations. Participants agreed on the need for a phased rollout to support adoption without disrupting business operations.
This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader commitment to ethical business practices. As the first South Asian country to adopt a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in 2021, Pakistan is positioning itself as a regional leader in responsible industry reform.