Leather

South Asia is a major supplier of leather products such as shoes, clothing and accessories. Millions of workers in the leather sector experience poor working conditions. For example, workers in leather tanneries work with harmful chemicals on a daily basis without adequate protective equipment. Workers are often paid so little that their income is insufficient to meet their basic needs. As a result, children also have to work, making child labour widespread in the sector.      

Arisa has mapped the leather supply chain from South Asia to Europe and researched discrimination against Dalits and Muslims in leather production. Working with dead animals and skins in South Asia is primarily the task of Dalits and Muslims. Dalits make up the majority of workers, especially at the beginning – the informal part – of the supply chain. Poor working conditions generally go together with the systemic exclusion of and discrimination against these minorities. 

Arisa wants to make European companies aware of the human rights violations, often harsh working conditions and discriminatory practices suffered by workers in the leather supply chain. Companies that make or sell leather products have the power to improve working conditions in their supply chain.