European governments’ statement on Rana Plaza compensation

We welcome a statement by seven European governments urging retailers to donate to the Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund. The statement, signed by UK international development minister Alan Duncan and ministers from six other European countries, was issued at the Forum on Responsible Business at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund is the central vehicle for providing compensation to the victims and families affected by last year’s horrific building collapse in Bangladesh. Yet more than one year on, just £11m has been raised for the fund – less than half the £24m needed. Many retailers that sourced from the factory still haven’t contributed. The ministerial statement expresses concern that some companies either haven’t contributed at all or haven’t given enough to the fund.

ETI Director Peter McAllister said: “We are pleased to see European governments joining the call for brands and retailers to step up and meet their responsibilities. This statement keeps the issue in the spotlight and sends a strong signal to companies that sourced from Rana Plaza and have not yet made payments. We hope this spurs further contributions, including from others that source from Bangladesh, so that victims and their families receive the compensation they are due and can get on with living their lives.”