Partnership with IKEA Supply AG to Promote Protection of Migrant Workers

Geneva/ Bangkok, 18 April – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and IKEA Supply have yesterday signed a partnership to promote the rights and well-being of migrant workers, employed across the IKEA supply chain.   

“The full protection of migrant rights strengthens economies and enhances sustainable development,” said Elizabeth Warn, the Global Head of Labour Mobility at IOM. “IOM’s strong collaboration with IKEA Supply AG will improve the well-being of migrants by connecting our expertise in responsible business conduct with IKEA’s global supply chain.”   

Through capacity-building initiatives on ethical and responsible recruitment and employment practices, IOM will support IKEA Supply to improve the working and living conditions of migrant workers across the supply chain. After a decade of collaboration and several joint projects, the new three-year partnership will leverage the strengths and expertise of both organizations. Through collaborative efforts, IKEA Supply and IOM will ensure meaningful inclusion and employment for migrant workers to realize the potential of migration as a powerful driver for sustainable development.    

“Migrant workers who live and work outside their countries of origin are particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and exploitation,” says Christina Niemela Ström, Head of Sustainability at IKEA Supply. “Building on a decade of collaboration, this new partnership with IOM is a major step toward further strengthening our commitment to safeguard the rights of migrant workers in our supply chain.”    

In line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and human and labour rights conventions, IOM and IKEA Supply will work together to strengthen ethical recruitment, promote decent work and enhance access to effective remedy for migrant workers.   

In the last ten years, IKEA Supply AG and IOM have jointly undertaken several projects in the South and South-East Asia region, leading to the development of the IKEA Guidelines on Responsible Recruitment to support suppliers with practical solutions to uphold the rights of migrant workers.    

Thailand has a long history of migrant workers playing a vital role in its economy and development. This new partnership will leverage best practices from the region to further strengthen greater inclusion and respect for human and labour rights of migrant workers across global supply chains.     

“Through this partnership, we will continue supporting our suppliers to secure decent and meaningful work and put an even stronger focus on addressing challenges faced by migrant workers across our supply chain, which will benefit both the business and, more importantly, the individuals,” says Azaliah Mapombere, Global Human Rights and Social Impact Lead at IKEA Supply.   

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For more information, please contact:   

IOM Bangkok: Anushma Shrestha, anshrestha@iom.int or  

Evie Van Uden evanuden@iom.int   

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