The grievance was filed after field research in a sample of GVL’s palm oil plantations revealed that forests had been cleared. The findings also require the companies to conduct a human rights assessment and adopt a “Zero Retaliation” policy to guard against further human rights violations against local workers and communities. The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises also require companies and their financiers to provide remedy in cases of environmental and human rights abuse. GAR and GVL have largely failed to adhere to the requirements in a complaints process with the RSPO that was filed in 2012. Governments should act to regulate the financial sector to avoid financing deforestation and rights violations.

Source: Front Page Africa February 17, 2021 00:56 UTC