INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE JOINS FORCES ...
International Alliance Joins Forces To Address Child Labour Abuse In The West African Cocoa Sector
December 2001
The global cocoa and chocolate industry today joined a diverse group of partners to sign a joint statement re-affirming the urgent need to end the worst forms of child labour [1] and forced labour [2] in cocoa cultivation and processing in West Africa. The joint statement was signed by representatives of non-governmental organisations, anti-slavery and human rights experts, consumer groups and labour representatives. The International Labor Organization (ILO) witnessed signature of the statement.
The problems of the worst forms of child labour and forced labour are complex and can only effectively be addressed with the commitments of all the partners signing the statement today, together with governments. The global cocoa and chocolate industry is committed to playing an active part in this initiative. A significant effort is under way to assess the precise scope of the problem through independent investigative surveys. The data of the surveys will be analysed by experts during the first quarter of next year. Today's joint statement is in keeping with the commitments made by industry to address the worst forms of child labour and forced labour. On 19 September this year, industry developed and signed a protocol, which lays out an action plan to combat the problem, with input from governments and human rights experts. Active implementation of the industry Protocol began in October this year.
In addition, industry has constituted a Broad Consultative Group to advise in the formulation of appropriate remedies for the elimination of the worst forms of child labour and forced labour in the growing and processing of cocoa beans. The signatories to the joint statement have been invited to join the Broad Consultative Group.
Cocoa and Chocolate Industry
The Association of the Chocolate, Biscuit and Confectionery Industries of the EU (CAOBISCO)
The Chocolate Manufacturers Association of the USA (CMA)
The Confectionery Manufacturers Association of Canada (CMAC)
The Cocoa Association of London (CAL)
The Cocoa Merchants Association of America (CMAA)
Federation for Cocoa Commerce (FCC)
The European Cocoa Association (ECA)
The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF)
The International Office of Cocoa, Chocolate and Confectionery (IOCCC)
Organisations
International Labour Organisation (Witnessing)
Free The Slaves
The Child Labour Coalition
The National Consumers League
The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers Associations (IUF)
Background:
The Association of the Chocolate, Biscuits and Confectionery Industries of the European Union (CAOBISCO) represents some 1800 companies in the chocolate, biscuit and confectionery industries of the European Union. The European Cocoa Association (ECA) represents the European cocoa sector and regroups companies from the entire cocoa industry chain. Members are involved in the cocoa bean trade and processing, in warehousing and in related logistical aspects. ECA's members represent 75% of Europe's cocoa beans grinding, 50% of Europe's industrial chocolate production and 40% of the world production of cocoa liquor, butter and powder
The Chocolate Manufacturers Association (CMA) has served as the premiere trade group for manufacturers and distributors of cocoa and chocolate products in the United States since 1923. The association was founded to fund and administer research, promote chocolate to the general public and serve as an advocate of the industry before Congress and government agencies. CMA's mission is to serve as the voice of the American chocolate industry and through research, education and public information, works to ensure a continued supply of cocoa and consumption of high value and quality chocolate products for the American people.
The Confectionery Manufacturers Association of Canada (CMAC), founded in 1919, is one of the oldest, most respected national trade associations representing chocolate, candy and chewing gum manufacturers, affiliates and suppliers. CMAC Active members include manufacturers of chocolate and chocolate products, hard, medium and soft candy, and chewing gum. Associate members include the manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, ingredients, packaging materials, and other goods and services for confectionery manufacturers and first importers.
1. As defined in ILO Convention 182 concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour.
2. As defined in ILO Convention 29 concerning Forced or Compulsory Labour.
