Rana Plaza one year on
Families of the missing (credit: IndustriALL)
A year ago today the garment industry was changed forever. No longer could brands, consumers, workers or governments turn a blind eye to the dangers faced by garment workers every day.
The deadly collapse of Rana Plaza, a building in the Savar district of Dhaka, Bangladesh, showed the world the true cost of fashion.
1,138 people were killed and over 2,000 injured, nearly all were garment workers forced to go back in the factory despite fears the building was unsafe.
Today, we remember all those who lost their lives (you can read a full list of all those who have been formally identified here.)
We remember their families, husbands, wives, children, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers, all left mourning a loved one and still waiting for justice.
We remember the over 2,000 who were injured and will have the horror of that day with them always. Women like Shila, who went to work that day as every other day to support her daughter, and who ended the day being pulled out from the rubble of the nine storey building.
A year on, the families of victims and the survivors are still waiting for full compensation, so they do not have to live with the additional burden of financial hardship.
As we remember all those affected by Rana Plaza we call on all brands that source from Rana Plaza to pay up.
The aftermath of this terrible disaster has seen many efforts to ensure it is never repeated. But as we look to improving the furture we must not forget those who have paid the ultimate price for fashion.
- If you want to join a memorial event today find your closest event here.
- If you cannot make an event but want to take action here are three things you can do:
- Near a store? Here is a letter you can adapt and take into your local Benetton - or any other brand who has yet to pay up - you can see the list here.
- On Twitter? Follow us @cleanclothes we will be tweeting throughout the day please re-tweet, share and remember to use #ranaplaza & #payup
- On Facebook? Please add this logo to your page.