ICAR publishes policy brief with detailed argument for why the United States needs to adopt an FCPA for Human Rights.

On May 24, 2022, Swiss-based commodities firm Glencore pleaded guilty to bribery, corruption, and market manipulation, paying $1.1 billion in fines and forfeitures to the U.S. government to settle the charges.

In the Bangladeshi garment factories, 80% of workers “have experienced or witnessed sexual violence and harassment at work.” Further, 10% of women surveyed said, “they were currently being subjected to sexual harassment, molestation, and assault in the workplace.” Unfortunately, stories abound of women who were sexually assaulted or harassed while working at a Bangladeshi garment factory.

Garment workers working in factories in Bangladesh that supply to international fashion brands face systematic wage theft, including through (1) punishments for late arrival or absence from work, regardless of the reason, (2) receiving wages below the national minimum wage, (3) cancellation of bonuses, and (4) unfair dismissals due to Covid-19 or involvement in union activity. In 2020, Garment workers in Bangladesh reported a 27% overall theft of wages.

In the Bangladeshi garment factories, workers are used to management using intimidation and violence in the workplace. Due to high production demands, workers are prevented from taking restroom breaks, drinking water, leaving at reasonable hours, getting leave for medical emergencies, and much more. Additionally, the wages are so low they are “effectively trapped in abusive conditions,” while also being subjected to sexual harassment and abuse.