John,

West Africa is the epicenter of the world's cocoa production, contributing about two-thirds of the global supply but this booming industry is propped up on the backs of over two million children.

Children, some as young as ten, toil in hazardous conditions – wielding machetes, carrying heavy loads, and being exposed to toxic chemicals.

The picture is grim: long hours, little to no pay, and severe deprivation of basic rights including education and safety.

In 2001, the world's leading chocolate companies, including Hershey’s, Nestlé, and Mars, acknowledged the problem and pledged to eliminate such exploitative practices by 2005. This deadline has been repeatedly postponed, now extended to 2025.

The continued use of child labor in the chocolate industry is a violation of human rights. Demand Hershey’s, Nestlé, and Mars end child labor practices now!

Hershey’s, Nestlé, and Mars are industry titans that have the resources and influence to instigate real change, yet they choose profit over ethics, hiding behind weak promises and half-measures.

The time for passive commitments and deferred deadlines is over.

Hershey’s, Nestlé, and Mars must take immediate, tangible steps to eradicate child labor from their supply chains, including investing in direct monitoring systems, supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices, and ensuring fair compensation and working conditions for adult laborers.

It's time for these chocolate giants to honor their promises and we must hold them accountable.

Demand Hershey’s, Nestlé, and Mars end child labor practices now!

Let's stand together until every child is freed from the shackles of exploitation.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund