The Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) is encouraging all international fashion buyers to help with the recovery of Morocco's fashion sector following the tragic 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the country on 8 September, killing almost 3,000 people.

The organisation says: "We encourage all international buyers to play a role in recovery, ensuring they engage and support their affected suppliers, workers, and their representatives."

ETI will also be engaging with company, trade union and NGO members to understand the impacts of the catastrophe on workers and supply chains.  

It points out the country hosts suppliers to all three sectors of its membership, including apparel and textiles, food fishing and farming and general merchandise.

ETI states: "Morocco is home to farms, factories and mines supplying international brands and large groups of informal workers, who are typically at higher risk of exploitation. While the epicentre of the earthquake was remote, the impacts of this disaster will be far-reaching, with significant implications for normal life and business as usual. As search and rescue efforts cease and the humanitarian response increases, business will have a part to play in recovery and support to affected workers and communities."

Fashion brands share their support for Morocco following earthquake

Zara's parent company Inditex has donated €3m ($3.2m) to Spain's Red Cross to support the Red Crescent's humanitarian relief for the earthquake. The Spanish fashion conglomerate says its contribution will be used to fund the basic needs of those impacted, mainly in the areas of Al Hauz, Marrakech, Taroudant, Chichaoua and Ouarzazate.

Inditex also says it has contacted humanitarian organisations with a presence in the region to offer garments, footwear and home products.

French sports retailer Decathlon French sporting goods retailer made a €1m fund to provide more equipment locally, whilst also supporting local NGOs that are helping communities in the worst-affected areas.

The brand also explains that its local teams provided thousands of sleeping bags, tents and air mattresses directly to those in need within hours of the earthquake.

Non-profit H&M Foundation, which is privately funded by the owners of Swedish fashion brand H&M, have provided $250,000 to support the aid relief efforts of the Red Cross Red Crescent in Morocco.