What We’re Talking About in September
The Big Business Behind the Low Wage J-1 Au Pair Program:
A new report explores the structural deficiencies in the J-1 au pair program that contribute to labor rights abuses.
Bad for the Environment, Bad for Labor
The celebration of Earth Day this month provides the opportunity to reflect on the overlap between labor rights and the environment. Verité has found a strong correlation between labor abuses and environmental damages. Often, activities that violate environmental regulations take place in areas where the government lacks the capacity to adequately enforce the law. Verité’s research into palm oil and illegal gold mining, for example, has found that the absence of the rule of law at remote worksites can result in permanent ecosystem damage, dangerous working conditions, and risk of forced labor.
Verité Experts Leading the Way
In the coming weeks, Verité experts Daryll Delgado, Philip Hunter, and Melizel Asuncion will be panelists at various events across Asia focusing on palm oil and other global supply chain issues.
New Principles and Guidance for Responsible Palm Oil Production
Earlier this month, Verité proudly supported the launch of a new resource to promote free and fair labor in palm oil production—“Free and Fair Labor in Palm Oil Production: Principles and Implementation Guidance.” This resource, endorsed by more than 20 organizations from around the world, represents a major step forward in protecting the rights of workers in the industry and advancing global dialogue on sustainable palm oil.
Risk of Labor Abuse in Guatemalan Palm Oil Production: How Should Companies Respond?
Today (March 31, 2014), Verité releases an in-depth case study of the risk of human and labor rights abuses in the production of palm oil in Guatemala. This report is the outcome of weeks of on-the-ground field research and expert consultation led by Research Program Manager Quinn Kepes.