Advancing Labor Rights in the Garment Industry
This grant supports garment workers in partner countries to understand, exercise, and protect their labor rights, improve workplace conditions, and strengthen labor standards under existing trade agreements.
Funder: Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor
Due Dates: August 27, 2026
Funding Amounts: $986,500 total; one award; project duration up to 24 months
Summary: Supports projects to strengthen labor rights protections and reforms for garment workers in countries with Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ARTs).
Description
This grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor aims to strengthen labor rights protections and support labor rights reforms in strategic partner countries with existing Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ARTs). The program specifically targets the garment industry, providing support for garment workers to understand and exercise their labor rights, freely associate, and access timely remedies for workplace abuses. Activities may include:
- Supporting workers and worker organizations to organize and advocate for their rights
- Documenting labor rights violations
- Promoting accountability and remediation for workplace abuses
- Engaging employers, civil society, and government stakeholders to improve compliance with labor standards and working conditions
The overarching goal is to reinforce the implementation of labor provisions in trade agreements, support labor rights reforms, and create a more level playing field for responsible businesses, aligning with U.S. economic and strategic interests.
