Human Rights in the Supply Chain

In a conversation recorded in June 2020, Uwe Schulte talks with Rosey Hurst, founder and director of Impactt, about human rights in supply chains. Rosey discusses her journey from early experiences in India to founding Impactt, emphasizing the need for global supply chains to lift workers out of poverty while ensuring their rights. She highlights the importance of considering workers’ perspectives, focusing on regular income, respect, and family support. Traditional auditing methods are critiqued for failing to detect systemic labour abuses. Rosey argues for placing worker experiences at the centre of assessments and addressing root causes, such as poverty and dehumanization. She shares examples from Bangladesh, illustrating how better human resource management and worker incentives can lead to increased productivity and reduced turnover, advocating for a holistic approach that balances business interests with human rights.