LexisNexis® Legal & Professional (www.lexisnexis.com), a leading global provider of content and technology solutions, and STOP THE TRAFFIK a leading Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking, are pleased today to announce the publication of their joint report titled 'Dark Chocolate. Understanding human trafficking risks in the chocolate supply chain; we have a choice.'
James Ritchie, Head of Strategic Alliances for LexisNexis International, said: "This report highlights how various participants in the chocolate supply chain around the world are working to prevent human trafficking through campaign-driven community action. Human trafficking is a global crime; millions of men, women, and children are recruited by deception or coercion and moved within countries and across borders, for exploitation. We are privileged to have partnered with STOP THE TRAFFIK to help raise awareness of the effect of human trafficking within the chocolate supply chain."
In 2012, LexisNexis launched the Human Trafficking Awareness Index™ using the respected Nexis® service to track and analyse the volume of news articles related to human trafficking. 'Dark Chocolate' focuses on the 476 English language articles identified in the Nexis database since May 2010 directly relating to human trafficking and the global cocoa supply chain. Representing a tiny fraction of the total volume of articles within the Nexis database, these articles provide insight into the media coverage of this shocking issue. 265 articles referenced the issue of children working in the cocoa industry in the Ivory Coast, Ghana & Nigeria – three of the world's largest cocoa producing economies. NGOs and other campaigning groups continue to drive significant awareness of this issue with 38% of articles referencing the role of the eleven leading campaigns and NGOs.
Ruth Dearnley, CEO of STOP THE TRAFFIK explains: "Good business decisions can change the lives of many many people. At STOP THE TRAFFIK we believe in the power of people making good choices in what they buy being a critical part of that change. This report tells a little of our story so far alongside the great work of others who also believe that we must not stop until men, women and children stop being bought, sold and exploited. Every time we buy chocolate, our choice matters. We are pleased to collaborate with LexisNexis in sharing information, creating opportunities for change and striving to STOP THE TRAFFIK."
This report will be of interest to campaigners, consumers and businesses. In particular, it should be of interest to Supply Chain and Procurement Directors seeking to better understand human trafficking in the supply chain and how analysing media coverage can support better supply chain risk management procedures.
