“Although the tenancy system has been abolished, serious concerns persist regarding the risk of child trafficking and forced labor,” experts say. speak.
“Countries where tobacco companies are headquartered must step up action to prevent trafficking for the purposes of child labor and forced labor.”
To this end, experts established dialogues with several key tobacco industry companies in Malawi, including British American Tobacco, Imperial, Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco Group, following human rights violations. reporting rights in this area.
“The reported cases affect more than 7,000 adults and 3,000 children,” said the experts.
Hermit Children
Tobacco farms are often located in remote areas, with limited access to support, defense against labor rights abuses and protection against human trafficking.
According to UN experts, the isolation of farms is also a barrier for children to access education and schools.
In the aftermath of COVID-19More than 400,000 students are reported not to have returned to school.
“A large number of children working on tobacco farms are still out of school and have not returned to school after the pandemic,” experts said.
They assert that the efforts of the Government and some tobacco companies – such as school food programs and scholarships – are not enough.
invisible woman
UN experts also shed light on the discrimination women face in rural areas, resulting in men being the sole head of the household – increasing the risk of exploitation and abuse by women.
“Women’s work remains invisible,” they lament.
Experts call for increased corporate oversight, enforcement and accountability on an urgent basis to prevent human rights abuses and ensure that codes of conduct are effectively implemented.
Workers’ organizations, civil society and trade unions play a vital role in protecting workers’ rights and preventing trafficking for the purposes of forced labor and child labour. they emphasized.
“Continuing cooperation and support for civil society and national human rights commissions, while also ensuring civil space, is essential,” the UN experts said. said, stressing that “improving transparency, reporting and due diligence in the tobacco supply chain must be ensured”.
About the experts
Click this for the names of independent experts confirming this claim.
Special Rapporteur and independent experts appointed by the UN based in Geneva Dong Nhan Quyen Association arrive check and report back country-specific situation. Professionals are not paid for their work.
