Modern Slavery Statement

Modern Slavery Statement

1. Purpose and Commitment

Abú Wear operates with a deep commitment to social justice, cultural preservation, and ethical business practices. As part of our mission to champion human dignity and resistance to oppression, we oppose all forms of modern slavery and human trafficking. These practices are severe violations of fundamental human rights and affect vulnerable populations worldwide.

Our commitment is to ensure that:

  • All people working within or on behalf of Abú Wear, whether directly employed or part of our supply chain, are protected from exploitation.
  • We comply with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, as well as other international frameworks such as the ILO Conventions and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
  • Our business operations not only avoid complicity in these practices but also promote ethical practices in all our partnerships.

Through this policy, we aim to raise awareness, establish stringent controls, and foster a business environment that fights against forced labor, servitude, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.

2. Scope

This policy covers all aspects of Abú Wear’s operations, including:

  • Employees: All permanent, temporary, and part-time staff are expected to adhere to this policy.
  • Contractors: Any individuals or organizations that provide services to Abú Wear must comply with this policy and demonstrate respect for labor rights.
  • Suppliers and business partners: All organizations or individuals involved in the supply of goods or services to Abú Wear are required to comply with this policy. This includes our global suppliers, particularly those in regions where labor exploitation is a higher risk due to conflict or economic instability.

The policy ensures that no one in our business ecosystem—whether directly employed by us or part of our supply chain—is subjected to conditions that could be classified as forced labor, human trafficking, or modern slavery.

3. Our Principles

Abú Wear’s anti-slavery and anti-trafficking efforts are built on a foundation of ethical business principles, which are non-negotiable:

  • Zero Tolerance: We do not tolerate any form of modern slavery or human trafficking within our operations or supply chain. This includes practices such as forced labor, bonded labor, debt servitude, and child labor.
  • Human Dignity and Respect: Every individual has the right to work in a dignified, voluntary, and lawful capacity, free from coercion or exploitation.
  • Ethical Sourcing: All goods we sell or use in our operations are sourced ethically, ensuring that workers in our supply chain are paid fairly, treated with respect, and employed in safe conditions.

In alignment with these principles, we proactively engage with our partners to promote fair wages, reasonable working hours, and healthy working conditions. These values are integrated into the fabric of our business practices.

4. Our Business and Supply Chain

As a retailer and distributor of artisan goods, Abú Wear is acutely aware of the risks involved in sourcing products from regions affected by political conflict and economic hardship. Our key relationships, such as our partnership with Palestinian artisans producing Hirbawi kufiyas, must reflect our commitment to upholding human rights.

We recognize that exploitation can occur in different forms within the supply chain:

  • Forced Labor: Where individuals are coerced to work through threats, violence, or abuse.
  • Debt Bondage: Where workers are trapped into working to repay an inflated debt, often incurred fraudulently.
  • Child Labor: The use of children in employment that interferes with their education or development.

To counter these risks, we commit to:

  • Conducting thorough vetting of all suppliers, including site visits where feasible.
  • Engaging with suppliers and partners who can demonstrate their commitment to fair labor practices and human rights.
  • Implementing a supplier screening process that evaluates potential suppliers on labor standards, working conditions, and compliance with anti-slavery laws.

5. Risk Assessment and Due Diligence

Abú Wear recognizes that regions affected by political and social conflict, such as Palestine, are at higher risk of labor exploitation. To address this, we are dedicated to a structured and ongoing risk assessment and due diligence process that enables us to identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to modern slavery.

Steps we take include:

  • Risk Mapping: We assess the geographical regions and sectors in our supply chain to identify high-risk areas, paying close attention to those where labor laws are weaker or enforcement is lax.
  • Supplier Audits: We conduct initial and regular audits of suppliers, including direct engagement with their labor force to assess working conditions. These audits may be conducted independently or in partnership with third-party auditors.
  • Human Rights Impact Assessments: We consider the potential and actual impacts our operations may have on human rights, and take immediate action where risks of exploitation are identified.

Our due diligence process also includes a requirement for new suppliers to complete a Modern Slavery Questionnaire and provide documented evidence of their efforts to prevent forced labor and trafficking in their operations.

6. Supplier Code of Conduct

As part of our efforts to prevent modern slavery, Abú Wear has implemented a Supplier Code of Conduct that must be adhered to by all our suppliers and business partners. This Code sets out clear expectations, including:

  • Prohibition of Forced Labor: Suppliers must not use any form of forced, bonded, or involuntary prison labor.
  • No Child Labor: Suppliers must comply with local and international laws regarding the minimum working age, ensuring no exploitation of children.
  • Fair Treatment and Non-Discrimination: Suppliers must treat all workers with respect and dignity, and must not engage in abusive or discriminatory practices.
  • Legal Compliance: Suppliers must comply with all relevant local, national, and international labor laws, including wage laws, working hours, and health and safety regulations.

Suppliers that fail to adhere to these standards will face immediate review and may have their contracts terminated.

7. Training and Awareness

Building a culture of awareness is crucial for preventing modern slavery and trafficking. At Abú Wear, we believe that informed employees and partners are better equipped to identify and prevent exploitation.

We commit to the following:

  • Employee Training: We provide mandatory training on modern slavery and human trafficking to all employees, particularly those involved in procurement, supply chain management, and human resources. This training covers how to identify the signs of slavery and trafficking, as well as the correct procedures for reporting concerns.
  • Supplier Education: We share best practices and provide resources to our suppliers, encouraging them to implement their own anti-slavery policies and practices.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: As part of our broader commitment to social justice, we engage in campaigns that raise public awareness of modern slavery and promote ethical consumerism.

8. Reporting and Whistleblowing

Abú Wear encourages all employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders to report any concerns they have about modern slavery or human trafficking. All reports will be treated as confidential

Key points include:

  • Confidentiality: All reports made will be treated confidentially, and individuals reporting in good faith will not face retaliation.
  • Investigative Action: All reports of potential modern slavery or trafficking will be investigated promptly. Investigations may involve engagement with the supplier or partner in question, and appropriate corrective action will be taken if necessary.

9. Monitoring and Accountability

To ensure that our policy is effectively implemented and that we remain compliant with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, Abú Wear will:

  • Annual Assessments: Conduct annual assessments of our operations and supply chains, specifically examining the risks of modern slavery and ensuring that any risks identified are addressed.
  • External Audits: Where possible, we will engage third-party auditors to provide independent verification of our compliance with anti-slavery standards.
  • Internal Reviews: Our compliance team will regularly review and update this policy, ensuring that it reflects the latest legal requirements and best practices in the fight against modern slavery.

10. Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with this policy by employees, contractors, or suppliers will be treated seriously. Specific consequences for violations include:

  • For Suppliers: Suppliers found to be in breach of this policy may have their contracts terminated, and their violations reported to relevant authorities where applicable.
  • For Employees: Any employee found to be complicit in modern slavery practices will face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

We are committed to working with suppliers who demonstrate a willingness to address and correct any issues of non-compliance, ensuring continuous improvement in labor standards.

11. Continuous Improvement

Abú Wear is committed to continuously improving its anti-slavery and human trafficking practices. We will:

  • Engage with stakeholders, including industry groups, NGOs, and government bodies, to remain at the forefront of the fight against modern slavery.
  • Adopt new technologies and processes that enhance supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing practices.
  • Encourage innovation in addressing the root causes of modern slavery, including economic inequality, conflict, and poor labor laws.

Our commitment is ongoing, and we will regularly assess and improve our practices to ensure the highest standards of ethical business conduct.