Amnesty International UK has criticized the potential initial public offering (IPO) of Shein on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
Amnesty International UK Slams Potential London IPO of Shein
Shein reportedly filed papers with Britain's markets regulator earlier this month, initiating the process for a possible London listing later this year. Amnesty International researcher Dominique Muller, an expert in the garment industry, expressed concerns about Shein's labor practices and business model.
Muller noted that Shein could gain hundreds of millions of pounds through this listing despite being scrutinized over labor and human rights standards.
"Rewarding Shein's current methods via a flotation would be a badge of shame for the London Stock Exchange," Muller said in a press release.
Amnesty International urged the UK authorities and the LSE to require Shein to implement transparent and binding safeguards for human rights throughout its supply chain before allowing the listing.
Shein Under Scrutiny
The fast-fashion company has been accused of underpaying workers and using cotton harvested by forced labor. Despite claims of using independent auditors to assess conditions, Amnesty International noted that Shein has not published details of its suppliers or addressed how it remedies worker abuses.
Founded in China and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein faces allegations of paying workers as little as 4 US cents per garment. Critics also argued that Shein's practices disregard workers' rights and environmental sustainability.
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