Access to Grievance Mechanisms for Local Communities and Workers in Cocoa
The problem
One of the core pillars of improved living and working conditions is strengthening awareness of human rights and access to remedy. Complaint mechanisms play an important role in protecting the rights of these groups by allowing them to report any problems or concerns. In recognition of this Earthworm launched an internship in partnership with Global Rights Compliance to improve awareness and understanding of legal rights and to help build, develop and support solutions to improve access to remedy.
Results
The research findings were summarised in a White Paper that addressed the practical approaches that should be taken to ensure the effective implementation of a grievance mechanism. The recommendations were based on all stakeholders’ understanding and remediation expectations regarding access to remedy, with a focus on three fundamental areas: prevention, effective management, and monitoring of MGM’s implementation.How we tackled this
During the internship, a research project was undertaken in the Cavally Landscape in Ivory Coast. The research focused on concerns regarding access to remedy and the contextual challenges related to the use of any grievance mechanism by workers and local communities. Field qualitative investigation was conducted for two months with hundreds of people, allowing for the identification, understanding, and analysis of the main barriers to access to remedy, the underlying causes of concerns, and the solutions recommended. In this regard, various stakeholders were consulted, particularly workers, members of local communities, as well as companies and cooperatives operating in the wood, rubber, coffee, and cocoa sectors.
At a glance
| Client/ Partner | Earthworm Foundation |
| Sector | Agriculture |
| Country | Ivory Coast |
| Duration | 4 months |
| Year | 2022 |
