11 years after the Rana Plaza tragedy, we demand social protection, compensation, justice for the victims and their families

April 24, 2024

Eleven years have passed since the Rana Plaza tragedy, which claimed the lives of over 1,100 garment workers and left thousands more injured. Yet, the global call for social protection, compensation, and justice for the victims and their families remains.

On April 24, 2013, the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh exposed the harsh realities of working conditions and the neglect of workers’ health and safety by both companies and governments.
Victims and their families, activists, and labor rights organizations continue to demand fair compensation, accountability from all stakeholders in the garment global supply chain, and an end to workers’ exploitation for profit. This ongoing struggle by the Rana Plaza tragedy victims highlights the urgent need for global solidarity and sustained advocacy to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to prioritize the health, safety, and rights of workers above all else.

Today, on the 11th anniversary of the Rana Plaza tragedy, we remember the victims and stand in solidarity with their families. Leading the commemoration event are ANROEV member organizations – OSHE foundation, Bangladesh Free Trade Union Congress, Textile Garment Workers Federation, and the Rana Plaza Victims’ Rights Network. We are one with the victims and their families as they push for the following demands:

  1. Lifelong compensation for all injured workers from the Rana Plaza collapse.
  2. Rehabilitation services for all affected workers to aid in their recovery.
  3. Guaranteed employment arrangements for all affected workers, ensuring their economic security.
  4. Lifelong medical treatment for all injured workers to address their ongoing health needs.
  5. Ensuring the education of children from families affected by the tragedy.
  6. Providing medical support for injured rescuers who risked their lives to save others.
  7. Holding accountable all individuals responsible for the disaster, with the highest level of punishment.
  8. Confiscating the assets of those found guilty of negligence
  9. Declaring April 24 as a Day of Mourning to honor the victims and reaffirm our commitment to workers’ health, safety and dignity.

As International Workers Memorial Day approaches, we remember the victims of the Rana Plaza tragedy and we pledge to fight for workers’ health, safety, and rights. Together, let us join hands in solidarity with the victims of the Rana Plaza tragedy and strive towards a future where the safety and dignity of all workers are protected and ensured.

JusticeForRanaPlazaVictims #SafeWorkplacesNow #IWMD24 #ANROEV #VictimsVoices