WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the signing of a new framework of action alongside the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana and the World Cocoa Foundation to address child labor in the West African cocoa sector.
Together, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana produce nearly 60 percent of the world’s cocoa each year. Despite progress, children are still engaged in child labor on cocoa farms in these two countries.
“This framework places the relevant national plans of action of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana at the center of our work, while underscoring the critical role that companies play in promoting due diligence and transparency in supply chains,” said Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee. “We are working together because we share a goal to end child labor as well as a common responsibility to improve the lives of vulnerable children, families and workers.”
One of the framework’s key focuses is on addressing the root causes of child labor, including poverty, lack of access to decent work and social protection, inadequate coverage of child labor monitoring systems and insufficient corporate accountability. The framework defines roles and responsibilities, ensures greater coordination and collective action, and mobilizes further support for combating child labor in cocoa production.
The signatories will work together to improve access to quality education as well as technical and vocational training, strengthen social services and social protection, and empower women, youth and workers in cocoa-growing communities in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
“Today marks a moment of hope and opportunity for the children of Côte d’Ivoire as we unite in a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future,” said the U.S. Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba. “I am grateful for the leadership of the First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire, Dominique Ouattara, in guiding the new Framework’s bold vision and dedication to broader, transformative action.”
“As the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa beans, we welcome the government of Ghana’s signing of this new framework and its commitment to work with stakeholders to address child labor including companies, workers, and the farmers producing the cocoa beans,” said the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer.
The framework also recognizes the critical importance of listening and responding to the voices of local farmers and workers and fostering regular and meaningful dialogue with civil society organizations to promote transparency and accountability.
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