CBS News Investigation Reveals Children as Young as 5 Harvesting Cocoa for Mars
In a shocking exposé, CBS News has uncovered evidence of child labor in Ghana’s cocoa industry, specifically in the supply chain of American chocolate giant Mars. Despite Mars’ promise to eliminate child labor by 2025, children as young as 5 years old were found using machetes to harvest cocoa beans. CBS News obtained lists of children supposedly rescued by Mars’ monitoring system, only to discover that some of these children were still working in the fields. This investigation raises serious concerns about the efficacy of Mars’ measures to eradicate child labor.
The Grim Reality of Child Labor in Cocoa Farms
The CBS News team traveled through Ghana’s remote cocoa belt, visiting small subsistence farms that supply Mars. At each farm, children were found working, contradicting Mars’ claims. One such child is Munira, who began working in the cocoa fields at the age of 5. Despite receiving a backpack and schoolbooks from field supervisors contracted by Mars, Munira’s family revealed that no one had checked if she was attending school. The lack of access to education perpetuates the cycle of poverty and exploitation for these children.
Whistleblower Reveals Flaws in Mars’ Monitoring System
A whistleblower provided CBS News with copies of the lists of children supposedly rescued by Mars. These lists were meant to demonstrate the effectiveness of the company’s monitoring system. However, a cocoa field supervisor, speaking anonymously, revealed that much of the data on these lists is inaccurate or fabricated. He admitted to personally creating false lists under pressure from the companies. This revelation casts doubt on the integrity of Mars’ claims and raises questions about the company’s commitment to eradicating child labor.
False Promises and Fabricated Names
CBS News interviewed several children whose names appeared on the lists provided by the whistleblower. None of these children were attending school, and none had been regularly monitored to ensure their education. In some cases, names on the lists were outright fabrications. CBS News visited a farm where a child listed as no longer working in the cocoa fields was said to be the farmer’s daughter, but she did not exist. The lack of verification by Mars further exposes the flaws in their monitoring system.
Ghana’s Education System Fails Child Laborers
CBS News visited a school where only a third of the registered students attended classes. All students admitted to harvesting cocoa either before or after school. The limited access to education and the prevalence of child labor highlight the failures of Ghana’s education system to protect vulnerable children. Without adequate support and resources, these children are trapped in a cycle of poverty and exploitation.
Mars’ Response and Legal Action
Human rights lawyer Terry Collingsworth has filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against American chocolate companies, including Mars, alleging consumer fraud. Collingsworth has collected statements from Ghanaian children working for Mars suppliers, documenting the harsh conditions they endure. Mars, in response to CBS News’ investigation, stated that they condemn the use of child labor and will investigate any claims of misconduct. However, the company did not receive specific details of the investigation in advance. The statement also emphasized Mars’ commitment to eradicating child labor and their ongoing efforts to improve human rights in the cocoa supply chain.
Conclusion:
The CBS News investigation into child labor in Ghana’s cocoa industry exposes the harsh reality faced by children as young as 5 years old. Despite Mars’ promises to eliminate child labor from its supply chain, children continue to toil in the fields, denied access to education and trapped in a cycle of poverty. The flaws in Mars’ monitoring system, as revealed by a whistleblower, raise serious doubts about the company’s commitment to eradicating child labor. This investigation serves as a wake-up call for the chocolate industry and highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable children and ensure ethical sourcing practices.
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