Back in March 2021 we commented on the lawsuit brought by eight children who claim they were used as slave labour on cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast used by the world’s biggest chocolate companies. 

They accuse the corporations of aiding and abetting the illegal enslavement of “thousands” of children on cocoa farms in their supply chains. As of June 2022 Hershey's, Nestle, and Cargill have won the dismissal of a child slavery lawsuit filed against them in the United States. A U.S. federal judge ruled in favor of the companies, stating that the plaintiffs failed to prove that the companies had direct involvement in the alleged abuses. The judge also noted that the issue should be addressed through legislative and diplomatic channels rather than the court system. This ruling highlights the challenges and complexities surrounding the legal pursuit of holding chocolate companies accountable for child slavery in their supply chains. 

The issue of child slavery in the cocoa industry is a serious concern that has received significant attention over the years. Cocoa is a key ingredient in the production of chocolate, and a substantial portion of the world's cocoa supply comes from West African countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana. 

Numerous reports and investigations have exposed the presence of child labour and slavery in cocoa farming in these regions. Children, often from impoverished families, are sometimes trafficked or forced to work in hazardous conditions on cocoa farms. They may be subjected to long hours, physical abuse, lack of access to education, and other forms of exploitation. 

International organizations, governments, cocoa companies, and NGOs have been working to address this issue and promote responsible cocoa sourcing. Some initiatives have been established to improve labour practices, increase transparency in supply chains, and provide support to affected communities. 

For example, the Harkin-Engel Protocol (commonly known as the "Cocoa Protocol") was an agreement signed in 2001 by major chocolate companies, including Mars, Nestle, and Hershey's, with the aim of eradicating the worst forms of child labour in cocoa production. However, progress has been slow, and the problem persists. 

Efforts to combat child slavery in the cocoa industry involve a range of stakeholders, including governments, chocolate companies, farmers, consumers, and civil society organizations. These efforts include certification programs (such as Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance) that set standards for ethical cocoa production, increased traceability in supply chains, investment in community development, and educational programs. 

It is crucial for consumers to be aware of these issues and support companies and initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to responsible and ethical sourcing of cocoa. By choosing products with certifications or supporting companies that have transparent and sustainable sourcing practices, individuals can contribute to positive change in the cocoa industry and help address the problem of child slavery.