"IndustriALL repeats call on brands to quit Myanmar", 5 September 2025

The IndustriALL global union has repeated its call on brands, including Bestseller, Next and Hunkemöller, to cease operations in Myanmar and immediately begin negotiations on a responsible exit.

It argues that labour and human rights have been eradicated from the country which has been under military rule since the coup of February 2021...

IndustriALL argues that the textile and garment industry is a major source of foreign exchange for the military junta, helping to fund weapons, ammunition and fuel...

The union says that, despite these concerns, brands including Bestseller, Next and Hunkemöller have indicated an intention to remain in Myanmar, saying they are able to perform “enhanced due diligence” to mitigate the risk of human rights violations in their supply chains...

..other experts, such as Vicky Bowman, director of Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB) since July 2013 and a previous UK Ambassador to Myanmar, have urged responsible brands to remain in Myanmar.

Bowman argues that brands with well-established relationship with a few suppliers, which either have a team on the ground or regularly visit Myanmar, can have effective oversight..

We have approached Bestseller, Next and Hunkemöller for comment.