The stand against child labour – the H&M way
Last updated 11/20/2008 12:24:08 PM
The stand against child labour – the H&M way
H&M knows, and does ‘it' very well, in reaching out on how to always look at one's best with the most smallest accessory, or the simplest fitted and well-cut suit, and of course the ‘life-saving' black dress.
Be it functional to trendy, or attention grabbing (and seeking), this clothing brand pleases the style needs of all ladies gentlemen, boys and girls.
Another ‘it' this trend-setter excels in is taking the responsibilities of this world seriously, one in particular is H&M's stand against child labour. Since July, H&M partnered-up with UNICEF again supporting the agency's efforts to improve the situation of children in Uzbekistan by helping to prevent child labour in country's cotton industry.
The project aims to raise awareness of children's rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to give children in Uzbekistan greater protection against exploitation.
The project is being realised through an informative public campaign and through information and education of community leaders. In the first phase, which will run until summer 2009, H&M will contribute US$ 150,000 to UNICEF's work in Uzbekistan.
H&M said some of the challenges its faces are complex and not always something that it can tackle on our own. In view of this H&M entered into a three-year partnership with UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, in 2004.
For some time, H&M's co-operation with UNICEF has focused on the situation of children in the cotton-producing areas of India. During 2007 UNICEF began a study commissioned by H&M, with the aim of charting the social consequences of cotton growing. The study will continue in 2008 and will form a basis for future initiatives in this area.
Also in 2007 H&M decided to renew its partnership with UNICEF for another three-year period by contributing US $1,500,000 over three years to support several UNICEF projects. One is H&M's HIV&AIDS Prevention and Care Programme which aims to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in Cambodia, one of the countries where H&M's clothes are produced.