Del Monte, a large pineapple farm in Kenya that provides produce to many British grocery stores, is seeking a human rights manager to address the reported issues surrounding human rights violations and violence by their security personnel.
According to the job listing, the candidate must create a comprehensive strategy to tackle issues related to human rights in the workplace and neighboring communities.
The Guardian and Bureau of Investigative Journalism have revealed accusations of violence and fatalities related to the security personnel employed by Del Monte.
In response to pressure from supermarkets following the release of the articles last year, the company conducted a confidential evaluation of its impact on human rights known as a Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA). The Guardian was able to view the findings, which were highly critical. They showed that the farm was causing significant harm to the human rights of its employees and the people living in the surrounding communities.
The position has been altered along with other modifications based on the suggestions of Partner Africa, the entity responsible for composing the report.
Earlier this month, Del Monte made the decision to outsource the security operations at their farm to G4S, resulting in the termination of employment for all 214 in-house guards. Additionally, the company has posted a job advertisement for a welfare and diversity manager in order to establish a department focused on the well-being of their workers.
The new position is a direct outcome of the efforts put forth in the Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) and we view it as a favorable move, according to Peter McAllister, the Ethical Trading Initiative’s executive director. The role aims to enhance human rights in supply chains by representing retail stores, charitable organizations, and labor unions.
“We believe that Del Monte, as a company of considerable size and scope, should have a team with expertise in human rights to provide guidance to management, remain updated on industry best practices, collaborate with various stakeholders, and fulfill the company’s commitments to customers.”
The report stated that Del Monte’s workers were collaborating with a group of criminals by sharing information with them. It urged Del Monte to take swift action to compensate those who were affected by these actions and suggested that the company create a plan for safeguarding human rights.
The company is being sued for alleged incidents of murder, sexual assault, and physical abuse committed by its security personnel. According to a spokesperson from Del Monte Kenya, the case brought against them in the Kenyan high court will allow both sides to present evidence in a public setting, rather than relying on unfounded accusations. The company is confident that the legal process will uncover the truth and clear their reputation.
According to interviews with five former guards, inadequate training and strained relations between Del Monte and the local community have led to violent confrontations with intruders on the farm. Since the initial investigation by the Guardian and TBIJ in June, there have been five additional reported deaths possibly involving farm guards.
Last year around Christmas, four men attempted to steal pineapples from a nearby plantation in Thika. Sadly, their bodies were found in a river after allegedly being pursued by guards. The company’s representatives were accused of trying to hide the truth of their deaths by offering bribes. Del Monte Kenya claims that the men entered the river of their own accord and that there was no wrongdoing involved.
The company Del Monte was asked for a statement regarding their new position. They have previously stated their dedication to continuously improving their operations and adhering to the highest international human rights standards in all of their business endeavors.
Source: theguardian.com
