IKEA Supply and IOM announce partnership to promote inclusion of migrant workers

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and IKEA Supply AG are launching their first global partnership to promote the rights and well-being of migrant workers, employed across the IKEA supply chain.

After a decade of collaboration and several projects, the new three-year partnership will leverage the strengths and expertise of both organisations. By collaborating IKEA Supply and IOM ensure meaningful inclusion and employment for migrant workers and realize the potential of migration as a powerful driver for sustainable development.

“Migrant workers who live and work outside their countries of origin can be particularly vulnerable to human rights violations and exploitation. 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,” says Christina Niemela Ström, Head of Sustainability at IKEA Supply.

In line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the human and labour rights conventions, the IOM and IKEA Supply will work together to strengthen ethical recruitment, promote decent work and enhance access to effective remedies for migrant workers. Through capacity building initiatives on ethical and responsible recruitment and employment practices, the IOM will support IKEA Supply to improve the working and living conditions of migrant workers across the supply chain.

“The full protection of migrant rights strengthens economies and enhances sustainable development,” says 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.” 

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.

“As a regional hub for labour migration, Thailand has a long history of migrant workers playing a vital role in its economy and development,” said Maximillian Pottler, Head of Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion at IOM Thailand. “As the country strives to become a global leader in business and human rights, 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.