Human Rights Spotlight: Practical guide to human rights due diligence in sugarcane supply chains

The digital platform Human Rights Spotlight: a practical guide that provides step-by-step instructions for the implementation of the due diligence by companies in the sugarcane supply chains was recently launched with the aim of promoting respect for human rights in the sector and supporting companies in fulfilling their commitments.

The guide was developed by Proforest and Imaflora with funding from the Bonsucro Impact Fund and the companies Nestlé, General Mills, Hershey's and Barry Callebaut.

The launch of the guide is a significant milestone in our efforts to promote responsible practices in the sugarcane industry. This toolkit specifically tailored for sugarcane mills serve as a comprehensive resource, offering practical guidance to mills on incorporating human rights considerations into their operations. It equips them with the necessary tools to identify and address potential human rights risks within their supply chains. - Luana Mischiatti, Principal Project Manager (Proforest)

"The methodology presented in this guide can be applied to each reality, taking into account the regional and operational aspects of each mill," adds Heidi Buzato, Imaflora's social coordinator.

The Guide is part of a larger project, which also involves carrying out two pilots in the southeast and northeast of Brazil and training on the HRDD toolkit for mills, producers, producer associations and service providers in the two contexts where the pilots will be carried out.

The guide is the fruit of collaborative construction and the engagement of many actors and we hope it will be the first step towards a major impact in the sector.

Browse the guide here and learn about the 6 steps of Human Rights Due Diligence:

1. Defining Policy, Commitments and Responsibilities
2. Identifying risks and adverse impacts
3. Act and Integrate. Determine how to act on what has been identified and its root causes and integrate human rights considerations into existing processes and systems to reduce the possibility of recurrence.
4. Monitor and verify the effectiveness of the activities implemented
5. Communicate and inform stakeholders about the human rights impacts and risks identified, the measures being taken to prevent, mitigate and remedy these risks and impacts.
6. Remediation - taking appropriate measures to repair damage to those affected.

We are counting on you to spread the word about this important tool and if you have any questions or would like to speak to someone working on the programme, please contact: tatiana.freire@proforest.net - Communications Manager (Brazil)