Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Thursday threatened withdrawal of duty-free and quota-free access for Bangladesh if there are serious violations of human rights convention.
“Parliament recalls in the resolution adopted on Thursday that Bangladesh benefits from duty and quota-free access to the EU market and that these preferences can be withdrawn in the event of serious and systematic violations of the principles set out in different human rights conventions,” a statement from the European Union Parliament read.
The warning came following recent fires and building collapse at factories in Bangladesh, where the MEPs urged for justice for victims and EU action to prevent similar events in future.
Six motions for resolution on labour conditions and health and safety standards following the recent factory fires and building collapse in Bangladesh were put forward by PPE Group, S&D Group, ALDE Group, ECR Group, GUE/NGL Group and Verts/ALE Group earlier this week.
One of the motions: “Encourages the VP/HR and Commissioner De Gucht to include the ratification of core ILO standards on health and safety inspection and freedom of association in discussions with Bangladesh on continued access to the EU’s generalised scheme of preferences.”
The Tazreen Fashions fire last year killed 112 people while the collapse of Rana Plaza killed over 1,100 people.
The EU is the largest market for Bangladeshi exports making up for more than $10bn of export earnings, nearly half of the total amount.
“They want the Commission to promote responsible business conduct among EU companies operating abroad and ensure strict compliance with all legal obligations in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment,” the EU Parliament statement read.
The members also called on the European Commission to investigate Bangladesh's compliance with these conventions and they expect an investigation to be considered if Bangladesh is found to be in serious and systematic violation of the principles laid down in these conventions.
“The resolution insists that those responsible for the collapse of the Rana Plaza, the Tazreen factory fire or any other fire should be brought to justice, that the victims should have full access to the justice system, and that a financial compensation plan should be established.”
The MEPs recognise the importance of the recently finalised Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh between the trade unions, NGOs and some 40 multinational textile retailers and call on all other relevant textile brands to support this effort.
Over 30 major European retailers endorsed the accord for protection of workers safety in Bangladesh. However, major US buyers like Wal-Mart and GAP have shied away from agreeing to the action plan.
The action plan adopted in early May with a view to reforming the labour laws is also a welcome measure, say MEPs.
However, they want the government and the relevant judicial authorities to investigate allegations that the national building regulations were not implemented due to collusion between corrupt officials and landlords seeking to reduce their costs.
