**Ralph Lauren Faces Investigation Over Alleged Forced Labor in China**.
**Toronto, Canada -** The Canadian corporate watchdog, the Responsible Investment Association (RIA), has launched an investigation into fashion giant Ralph Lauren over allegations of forced labor in its supply chain in China..
The allegations stem from a report published by the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) in June 2023, which found evidence of widespread forced labor practices in the cotton industry in Xinjiang, China. Ralph Lauren is one of the major brands that sources cotton from Xinjiang..
The RIA’s investigation will focus on whether Ralph Lauren has taken adequate steps to ensure that its supply chain is free from forced labor, as required by Canadian law. The investigation will also examine the company’s due diligence processes and its response to the allegations made in the WRC report..
The investigation comes amid growing international concern over the use of forced labor in China, particularly in the cotton industry. In recent years, several major brands, including H&M, Nike, and Adidas, have been accused of sourcing cotton from companies that use forced labor in Xinjiang..
The Chinese government has denied the allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang, but independent investigations have found credible evidence to support the claims. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has also expressed concern about the situation in Xinjiang and has called on the Chinese government to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action..
The RIA’s investigation into Ralph Lauren is significant because it is one of the first major investigations into a Canadian company’s alleged involvement in forced labor in China. The investigation is expected to take several months to complete, and the RIA will publish its findings in a public report..
**Ralph Lauren’s Response**.
Ralph Lauren has denied the allegations of forced labor in its supply chain. In a statement, the company said that it has a .
