7 March 2025
Sustainability in practice: Strengthening Human Rights and HCV in the Sugarcane Sector
Held on February 4 and 5 in Cali, Colombia, the HCV & Human Rights in the Sugar Cane Industry Workshop —organized by Bonsucro and conducted by Proforest— brought together 49 participants from diverse organizations across Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. This diverse representation highlighted the commitment and broad engagement of the sugarcane industry in strengthening sustainability and human rights practices.
Over two days, attendees engaged in technical discussions, case studies, and interactive exercises focused on risk assessment, policy development, and sustainability practices.
The workshop covered critical human rights issues such as child and forced labor, occupational health and safety, land rights, and freedom of association. It also introduced participants to Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) processes and provided training on identifying, mapping, and mitigating risks in sugar supply chains. Discussions on HCV principles emphasized their role in biodiversity conservation and responsible production.
The conclusion session ended with an interactive activity where participants shared their key takeaways and feedback. Many attendees highlighted the practical approach of the sessions, particularly the hands-on exercises that contextualized HRDD and HCV application in real-world scenarios. Several participants expressed their commitment to applying their new knowledge within their organizations.
