Forced labour in the cocoa industry
The issue of forced labour in the production of chocolate hit the headlines
in 2000 and 2001. Several years on, we look at the situation now, and ask
you to take action to ensure progress that has been made is translated into
real improvements in the lives of those being exploited.
Read background information on what
we know, what has been done, and what more needs to happen to rid the
cocoa industry of forced labour and trafficking.
What can I do?
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I am writing to you about the use of forced
and illegal child labour in the cocoa industry. I very much welcome
the steps you have taken so far on this issue. I hope that these
initiatives will be translated into real change on the ground.
I also note that Anti-Slavery International informs me that as
a result of the letters we wrote earlier this year the information
requested on the industry survey of child labour conditions on the
cocoa farms of West Africa has now been published in full and I
would like to thank you for this.
However, I would also urge you to:
1. Ensure that policies being developed to end the use
of illegal child labour on farms supplying your cocoa also cover
the use of forced labour of adults. Such policies must be actively
monitored and enforced and the details publicised.
2. Ensure recommendations for action are developed in close co-operation
with local governments in the countries concerned, relevant international
agencies and local NGOs and trade unions. This will ensure that
changes made are integrated within broader initiatives on trafficking,
illegal child labour and forced labour and policies to ensure
the full rehabilitation and reintegration of those exploited.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
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Contact the four major chocolate companies
Please copy and paste the text above. Contact:
Email Nestlé UK or write
or fax to them at:
Public Affairs
Nestlé S.A.Centre
Avenue Nestlé 55
Case postale 353
CH-1800 Vevey
Switzerland
Fax: +41 21 921 18 85
Or email
directly from their site
Email Mars or write to them at:
Consumer Affairs
Mars Inc.
800 High Street,
Hackettstown
NJ 07840
United States
Write to or fax Cadbury Schweppes at:
Consumer Relations Department UK
Cadbury Trebor Bassett
PO Box 12
Bournville
Birmingham
B30 2LU
United Kingdom
Fax: +44 (0) 121 451 4192
Or email
direct from their site
Or see international
contact details
Write to or telephone Hershey at:
Hershey Foods Corporation
Consumer Relations
100 Crystal A Drive
Hershey
PA 17033-0815
United States
Tel: + 1 800 468 1714
Or email
direct from their site
Thank you for your help
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