C&A Foundation has halted grants for philanthropic work in Myanmar. The country’s handling of the Rohingya crisis has been cited as the primary reason for this decision. While withdrawing new grants, the foundation will ramp up efforts to support those suffering from gender-related discrimination and human trafficking in the region. It is also increasing support to humanitarian relief and the prevention of gender-based violence and human trafficking among the growing refugee population in Bangladesh.

Myanmar has been the subject of much derision over recent months and years with the ongoing Rohingya crisis and subsequent human rights violations having direct implications on the textile and fashion industries of the nation. In 2016, C&A began its support for initiatives in Myanmar in an attempt to ensure the safety of garment workers through engaging industry stakeholders and the Myanmar government.

C&A was founded in Switzerland in 1841. It is one of the most longest lasting and pioneering retailers in the global fashion business. One of the main focus areas of the foundation is eradicating forced and child labor. C&A Foundation aspires to improve the social, economic and environmental conditions of the cotton and apparel supply chain and as such sees social purpose organisations as key to achieving this mission.