In a significant step towards promoting the rights and well-being of migrant workers, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and IKEA Supply AG have forged a strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to enhance the protection of migrant workers employed across the expansive IKEA supply chain.
Elizabeth Warn, Global Head of Labour Mobility at IOM, emphasizes the profound impact of safeguarding migrant rights on economic strength and sustainable development. The partnership will leverage IOM's expertise in responsible business conduct to enhance IKEA Supply's global supply chain practices, ensuring improved working and living conditions for migrant workers.
Christina Niemela Ström, Head of Sustainability at IKEA Supply, highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers to human rights violations and exploitation, underscoring the partnership's role in strengthening commitments to their rights. Grounded in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the collaboration will focus on ethical recruitment, promoting decent work, and enhancing access to remedies for migrant workers.
Over the past decade, IKEA Supply AG and IOM have collaborated on various projects in South and South-East Asia, culminating in the development of the IKEA Guidelines on Responsible Recruitment. These guidelines offer practical solutions for suppliers, aligning with human and labour rights conventions.
Thailand, with its significant reliance on migrant workers for economic growth, serves as a focal point for leveraging best practices and enhancing inclusivity and respect for human rights across global supply chains. Azaliah Mapombere, Global Human Rights and Social Impact Lead at IKEA Supply, underscores the partnership's commitment to supporting suppliers in providing meaningful work opportunities and addressing challenges faced by migrant workers.
Through this partnership, IKEA Supply and IOM are poised to make tangible strides in advancing the rights and well-being of migrant workers, underscoring the transformative potential of collaborative efforts in fostering sustainable development and inclusive economies.