Apparel companies commemorate the ten-year anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse by reflecting on the progress made in ensuring the safety of garment workers in Bangladesh.

Over the years, the Accord has brought significant improvements to 1,600 factories and safeguarded the lives of 2 million workers in Bangladesh. However, there is still work to be done as numerous factories await safety improvements and ongoing inspections are necessary to prevent regression into unsafe practices.

As the Accord is set to expire in October 2023, there is a call for a new agreement that will extend the program for at least another decade. This successor agreement should retain the key elements that have contributed to the success of the Accord, including international legal enforceability for brands, transparent monitoring of factory remediation progress, equal representation of companies and unions in governance structures, and the presence of civil society witnesses.

Despite the progress made, there are still brands that have not signed the Accord and failed to prioritize worker safety in their supply chains. Clean Clothes Campaign, Remake, and Eko recently launched a petition targeting these brands, urging them to sign the Accord. The petition has garnered over 63,000 signatures and continues to gain support.

A recent factory incident in Pakistan, where labels of Auchan, Hampton by Hilton, and Dunnes Homes were found, further highlights the urgency of implementing the Accord's program in Pakistan.

While 55 leading brands have already signed the Pakistan Accord, there are notable brands that have committed to ensuring safe factories in Bangladesh but have not extended their commitment to Pakistan. Brands like Boohoo, The Very Group, Lidl, Missguided, Esprit, Kid ASA, Matalan, Target Australia, Fruit of the Loom, and New Look have suppliers in Pakistan but have yet to sign the Pakistan Accord.

National Garment Worker Federation in Bangladesh has urged brands to sign the International Accord.