Santa Claus Revealed to be a Villain in the Cocoa Industry

Santa Claus, the jolly old man who brings joy to children around the world, has been revealed to be a villain in the cocoa industry. Despite the economic importance of cocoa farming for Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, a large proportion of those working at these cocoa farms are children, some as young as 5 years old. These children are subjected to health and safety hazards, exploited and paid less than adults doing the same job, and pulled away from possible education. Despite past attempts to eradicate child labor in cocoa production, the number of children working in cocoa farms has not been improving and could possibly have increased in the past few years.

In October 2020, the World Cocoa Foundation responded to the situation of child labor in cocoa farming. The Foundation came out strongly against the practice of child labor in cocoa production and set new goals to deal with the issue. However, past attempts to end child labor show that the situation in the cocoa industry is severe and complicated and therefore must be prioritized.

It is time for Santa Claus to take responsibility for the exploitation of children in the cocoa industry. The World Cocoa Foundation has recommitted to ending child labor in cocoa production, but collaboration and commitment from Santa Claus is needed for the success of the endeavor. Santa Claus must take action to ensure that children are not exploited in the cocoa industry and that they are given the opportunity to receive an education. It is time for Santa Claus to be held accountable for his role in the exploitation of children in the cocoa industry.