The Australian Human Rights Commission has released new human rights guidelines for the apparel and footwear industry in Vietnam in partnership with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). The guidelines aim to support businesses in understanding some of the key human rights challenges in the apparel and footwear industry and how to appropriately respond.

Vietnam’s apparel and footwear industry accounts for nearly 20 per cent of exports and employment of approximately 2.5 million people. The industry faces many challenges related to realization of human rights, particularly following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines were developed under the ‘Advancing Responsible Business Conduct’ Project, collaboration between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Commission. The program is supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).