Child-labour involved in the production of cocoa for Easter Eggs

With Easter fast approaching, World Vision is warning Australians that their Easter eggs may be tainted with the bitter taste of child labour.

“Major chocolate manufacturers in Australia have known about the problem of child labour in cocoa production for nearly ten years,” said Susan Mizrahi, World Vision campaign manager. “Yet none of them can guarantee their Easter eggs have been produced in a fair, ethical manner free of child labour.”

Research in the Ivory Coast and Ghana – which together produce 60% of the world’s cocoa – reveals that at least 284,000 children in the cocoa fields are being exposed to dangerous practices such as the unprotected use of chemicals, carrying heavy loads, brush burning and using machetes. There is also evidence of children being trafficked.

Up to 12,000 children have been trafficked into cocoa production in West Africa. Police in the Ivory Coast liberated more than 200 children in just 12 months. In one case children were smuggled in to the country in a fake ambulance.

World Vision is calling on Australians to follow their three steps to guilt-free chocolate this Easter:

1. Buy Fairtrade or ethical chocolate if at all possible. There is a guide to the best brands and where to buy them at www.donttradelives.com.au

2. If you buy chocolate from your local supermarket, let them know you would purchase Fairtrade chocolate if they stocked it. You can find the contact numbers for all of the major retailers at www.donttradelives.com.au

3. Contact the chocolate industry association – the Confectionery Manufacturers of Australasia (CMA) – on 1800 331 640 and demand that they take meaningful action to address the issue of child labour in their supply chains.

“We don’t want people to stop eating chocolate or to boycott some brands, that will only further hurt the children we are trying to help,” Ms Mizrahi said. “But consumers must send a message to chocolate makers that they are watching how they respond to issues of child labour and exploitation.”

For more information visit: www.donttradelives.com.au