Candy lovers may be shocked to learn that one of the world’s largest candy manufacturers has been accused of serious human rights violations and environmental damage. A recent investigation by the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) and the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) has revealed disturbing allegations against Candy Giant, a multinational corporation that produces some of the most popular candy brands in the market.
According to the report, Candy Giant has been sourcing cocoa beans from plantations in West Africa that use child labor, forced labor, and deforestation. The investigators found evidence of children as young as 10 years old working long hours in hazardous conditions, without adequate protective equipment, education, or health care. Some of these children were trafficked from neighboring countries and forced to work without pay or consent. The report also documented how Candy Giant’s suppliers have been clearing large areas of forest to expand cocoa production, contributing to climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil erosion.
The report claims that Candy Giant has failed to uphold its own commitments and policies on human rights and environmental sustainability, as well as the international standards and laws that regulate the cocoa industry. The report urges Candy Giant to take immediate and effective action to address these issues, and calls on consumers, governments, and civil society to hold the company accountable for its practices.
Candy Giant has not yet responded to the allegations, but has previously stated that it is committed to improving the lives of cocoa farmers and protecting the environment. The company has also claimed that it has invested millions of dollars in various programs and initiatives to support its sustainability goals.
However, the report challenges these claims, and argues that Candy Giant’s actions have been insufficient, inconsistent, and ineffective. The report suggests that Candy Giant has prioritized profit over people and planet, and has exploited the vulnerability and poverty of cocoa farmers and workers. The report also criticizes Candy Giant’s lack of transparency and traceability, and questions the credibility and impact of its certification schemes and audits.
The report concludes that Candy Giant has a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that its products are free from human rights abuses and environmental harm, and that it respects the rights and dignity of all people involved in its supply chain. The report also calls for a global reform of the cocoa sector, and urges all stakeholders to work together to create a fair and sustainable system that benefits everyone.
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