Cote d'Ivoire, the world's largest exporter of cocoa beans, continues to find its cocoa exports tainted by weak enforcement of anti-child labor laws.

As Cote d'Ivoire's largest export partner, the US represents 8.5% of Cote d'Ivoire's annual trade volume and USD 20 billion annual revenue for the chocolate industry. We ask US ambassador Terence McCulley to address President Outtara for a higher minimum wage and government-enforced cocoa pricing (similar to Ghana's structure) to pressure cocoa farmers away from using child labor.

Sources:

"Child Labor On The Rise In West Africa As Demand For Cocoa Grows", Wall Street Journal (30 July 2015)

"The Dark Side Of Easter: Child Slave Labor And How To Source Ethical Chocolate This Holiday", Epicure & Culture (16 March 2015)

Cocoa Campaign, International Labor Rights Forum