Victoria’s Secret investigation reveals need for stronger supply-chain slavery regulations

Recent news that cotton used by Victoria’s Secret to sew women’s lingerie may have been harvested by slaves has sparked a broader debate about how deep companies should go into policing their supply chains. It’s also prompting discussion in Washington about strengthening slavery disclosure rules for businesses. The story below includes comments from Free the […]
January 18, 2012

Recent news that cotton used by Victoria’s Secret to sew women’s lingerie may have been harvested by slaves has sparked a broader debate about how deep companies should go into policing their supply chains. It’s also prompting discussion in Washington about strengthening slavery disclosure rules for businesses. The story below includes comments from Free the Slaves Director of Programs Karen Stauss, a key proponent of stronger disclosure requirements.

Child Labor for Victoria’s Secret Cotton Examined By U.S.

U.S. investigators are conducting a preliminary inquiry into forced child labor used in an organic and fair-trade cotton program that supplies the American lingerie retailer Victoria’s Secret, a federal law enforcement official confirmed this week.

Victoria’s Secret’s parent company, Limited Brands (LTD) Inc., said in an e-mailed statement yesterday that it continues “to take this matter very seriously as we do not tolerate child labor.” Those practices were disclosed in a Dec. 15 Bloomberg News report about the program the company buys from in Burkina Faso. Fairtrade International, the Bonn-based organization that certified the cotton, said in a statement last week that it has“prioritised further training on child labour and child protection for its members” beginning in early 2012.

Read more>>

Can you help end the conditions that cause modern slavery?

Related Posts

Support FTS through the CFC!

Support FTS through the CFC!

Here are 3 reasons why you should support Free the Slaves through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) : Liberation - Your pledge can literally help us #FreetheSlaves! By donating to FTS, your funds can help support our work in liberating enslaved people in places like...

read more

The Elkes Impact Awards: First Edition 2021

Nominations are now being accepted for the best local advocate survivor and the most impactful local organization in combating modern slavery in their local communities. Nominations are due by November 10, 2021. Dan Elkes is a visionary leader who established the...

read more