| 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,
|
