How does Better Cotton monitor labour and human rights conditions in countries where our cotton is grown? 

In order to assess labour and human rights conditions across Better Cotton producing countries, we have developed a risk analysis tool. The tool serves as an overview of the labour and human rights landscape across Better Cotton producing countries, supporting us in feeding into a more risk-based programme strategy and assurance approach. 

The tool draws on data from both internal and external sources.  

External data is collected from a range of internationally recognised sources covering seven thematic categories. These are: 

  • Freedom of Association 
  • Forced Labour 
  • Child Labour  
  • Gender Discrimination 
  • Ethnic, Religious and Caste-Based Discrimination 
  • Rights, Rule of Law and Enabling Environment  
  • Land rights 

Internal data is gathered via an internally developed questionnaire covering all seven of these thematic categories. This questionnaire is answered by Better Cotton country assessors, Benchmark Partners, and local civil society organisations or consultants where relevant, to calibrate responses and ensure an accurate representation of labour and human rights conditions on the ground. Some of the questions included are : 

  • “Have there been any reported or identified incidents of forced labour, child labour, discrimination, violence, or harassment on Better Cotton affiliated farms in the country, within the last 3 years?”  
  • “Is it common for women to participate significantly in unpaid family work on household farms with limited access or control over the household income?” 
  • “Is the practice of sharecropping (or tenant farming) common in agriculture in the country and/or is there a significant level of indebtedness among cotton producers or farmworkers, which may include being indebted to landowners or concessionaires?” 

To find out more about the methodology behind the risk analysis tool, click below:

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Better Cotton Labour and Human Rights Risk Analysis Tool Methodology

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Assurance Standards

This risk-based approach will be used by Better Cotton to prioritise further investigation and resources into the mitigation of human and labour rights risks where the risk is elevated. Other factors, including the scale of Better Cotton operations in the country, can also influence priority countries selected for additional capacity strengthening or enhanced Assurance activities.

Applications of the Labour and Human Rights Risk Analysis Tool include: tailoring of capacity-strengthening resources for Better Cotton staff and Programme Partners; conducting regional or national risk assessments; developing enhanced Assurance processes, and conducting preliminary risk assessments as part of New Country Start Up (NCSU) processes.

Photo Credit: Better Cotton/Seun Adatsi. Location: Kolondieba, Mali, 2019. Description: Tata Djire, Agronomist, with cotton farmers in Kara.
Photo Credit: Better Cotton/Morgan Ferrar Location: Şanlıurfa, Turkey, 2019. Description: PU Manager Murat Bucak delivering a health and safety training to farm-workers.

With an increasing focus around the world on the importance of human rights due diligence, Better Cotton looks forward to working with its partners and all relevant stakeholders to continue promoting sustainable cotton production that supports decent work and human rights.

The tool is intended for internal use only and will not be published externally, however, for more information, please get in touch.  

External Sources used: