An interim report on the progress made in reducing child labor in the cocoa region of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire shows some progress has been made in the ten years since the Harkin-Engel protocol was adopted. The report, prepared by the Offices of Senator Tom Harkin, Representative Eliot Engel, The United States Department of Labor, The Ghana Ministry on Employment and Social Welfare, and the International Chocolate and Cocoa Industry was released this week.
"I am pleased that the stakeholders have accelerated progress since the Harkin-Engel protocol was first adopted. This report shows that by establishing administration positions and implementing programs, progress is being made to reduce child labor in these cocoa-producing regions," said Senator Harkin. "This is the first time we have a transparent report on stakeholder activities and this report clearly demonstrates that all parties are at the table and committed to moving forward. We celebrate this progress, but at the same time, we recognize that our work is far from over. To that end, I am hopeful that all stakeholders remain focused on our long-term goal."
"This report shows a true commitment from all stakeholders involved to work to eradicate child labor in a transparent manner," said Congressman Engel. "Having just passed the 10 year anniversary of the beginning of the Protocol, it is important to acknowledge how far we have come. We must also remember how far we have to go. Our work will not be done until child labor is a thing of the past. I commend the commitment of the stakeholders who have just taken a sizable step in that direction."
Harkin and Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY) have a long history of fighting against the worst forms of child labor. In 2001, after working with the chocolate and cocoa industries, the two Congressional leaders created the "Harkin-Engel Protocol" to develop a framework for the cocoa industry to do away with the worst forms of child and slave labor in the growing and processing of cocoa beans and their derived products. Since then, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire have implemented certification programs and have publicly posted the results of their surveys. In addition, each country has committed to address issues that are identified through the data collection and reporting process.
Since Fiscal Year 1995, Harkin has secured some $775 million to fight child labor worldwide. Harkin has also introduced several bills to combat the worst forms of child labor and has negotiated a public-private partnership with the cocoa industry to combat abusive child labor overseas.