In wake of the deadly tragedy at a garment factory in Bangladesh, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday urged all companies to better know their supply chains.
“Too many businesses are still willing to sacrifice workers’ rights and safety for the bottom line. It is time for all of them to examine their supply chains,” he said at the UN Global Compact Board luncheon, held in New York, according to UN website.
His remarks came following the biggest man-made disaster in Bangladesh where the tragic incident of a building collapse killed about 700 people and injured some 2,500. The building housed five garment factories, which produced readymade garments for a number of labels, among them Benetton of Italy and Mango of Spain.
“The Bangladesh incident is one in a long line of deadly factory accidents, mine explosions, and other examples around the world that illustrate the need to uphold International Labour Organisation standards as all members of the Compact have pledged to do,” he said.
The UN Boss also urged consumers to be educated about the social and environmental impact of the products they buy.
“Businesses around the world are waking up to the urgency of addressing social, economic and environmental challenges,” he said.
“The Global Compact has an essential role to play in promoting safe and sustainable employment and opportunity,” he added.