ILO Leading $10.8 Million Project to Address Child Labor in Coffee Supply Chains

As a coffee lover and advocate for ethical sourcing, it’s disheartening to hear about the rise in child labor in the coffee industry. According to the latest report from UNICEF, there are currently 160 million child laborers globally, with coffee being one of the industries with a high prevalence of child labor.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has taken a significant step in addressing this issue by launching the CLEAR Supply Chains Project, with a budget of €10 million (US$10.8 million) funded by the European Union. This project aims to tackle the root causes of child labor in coffee and cobalt supply chains, focusing on three major coffee-producing countries: Honduras, Uganda, and Vietnam.

The project will take an integrated and area-based approach, addressing common root causes of child labor such as poverty, social vulnerability, gaps in regulatory frameworks, and barriers to education and social protections. Additionally, specific drivers of child labor in the coffee industry, such as farm gate prices, food insecurity, price volatility, and the impact of climate change on production, will be addressed.

As a coffee enthusiast, it’s important to support initiatives like the CLEAR Supply Chains Project and advocate for ethical sourcing practices. By choosing to support small local producers like Milagrosa Single Estate, who focus on quality over quantity and prioritize direct relationships with farmers, we can contribute to a more sustainable and ethical coffee industry.

Let’s raise awareness about the issue of child labor in coffee production and support initiatives that aim to create positive change in the industry. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every cup of coffee we enjoy is ethically sourced and produced.