Child rights and textile waste recycling in Bangladesh

Highlights

In 2023, UNICEF engaged The Centre for Child Rights and Business to carry out research to gain a deeper understanding of textile waste and its implications for recycling value chains concerning children’s rights in Bangaldesh. As one of the largest producers of textile waste, Bangladesh’s post-industrial textile waste recycling sector provides livelihoods for many, particularly women and marginalised communities. However, the child rights risks in this highly informal industry remain insufficiently understood, especially in the context of the just transition, despite its direct links to the formal ready-made garment (RMG) industry.

The research findings are published in two reports:

• A comprehensive report with actionable recommendations for companies on how to address child rights risks and engage responsibly with Bangladesh’s informal waste recycling sector.
• A supplementary report that summarises the key issues and offers additional recommendations for governments, CSOs, and consumers.