A collective of human rights organisations has sent a letter requesting that international businesses halt their trading activities with Corporación Dinant, a Honduran company known for producing snacks, cooking oils, and processed foods across Central America. They cite egregious human rights infringements against local farmers and unethical practices tied to the company’s palm oil cultivation as the basis for this request.
The letter details the long history of human rights abuses associated with Corporación Dinant, particularly in the Aguan Valley, where the company’s palm plantations have reportedly been linked to land seizures, intimidation, and violence against local communities opposing their expansions. This troubling situation has often escalated to the point of fatal confrontations, raising concerns about the safety and rights of those affected.
Rising tensions have been marked by violence against small farmers in Aguan, especially following armed assaults by irregular groups against agricultural cooperatives in late 2024. The letter also notes a disturbing defamation campaign targeting those defending farmers’ rights against Corporación Dinant’s expansion strategies, drawing attention to the urgent need for companies to ensure their supply chains are free from such violations.
Global awareness of human rights and environmental abuses within supply chains is growing, with many vulnerable groups—such as women, children, and indigenous communities—bearing the brunt of these injustices. Despite the absence of binding international laws, the United Nations has established the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, proposing that businesses implement measures to address human rights risks.
Additionally, many countries are now legislating to combat such abuses; for instance, the European Union has banned the trade in products derived from forced labour and enacted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. This directive mandates companies to adhere to human rights and environmental standards, holding them accountable in European courts if they fail to comply.
Human rights groups request international companies to stop trading with Corporación Dinant due to severe human rights violations. Issues include land grabs and violence against local farmers in Honduras’ Aguan Valley. The growing global concern for corporate ethics suggests a strong need for businesses to align their practices with international human rights standards.
In summary, human rights organisations have urged businesses globally to sever ties with Corporación Dinant due to long-standing human rights abuses linked to their operations in Honduras. The escalating violence in the Aguan Valley against local farmers and the lack of accountability highlight the urgent need for businesses to prioritise ethical practices in their supply chains. As international laws evolve, companies must now navigate these regulatory landscapes to foster responsible trading and protect human rights.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
