No major Belgian supermarket is doing enough to ensure the respect of human rights within its supply chains, according to a press release from non-profit Oxfam Belgium about the 'Superlist Social' study on Thursday.
The report analysed the commitments of Aldi, Carrefour, Colruyt, Delhaize and Lidl to protecting human rights, advancing gender equality, and maintaining the rights of farmers throughout the world.
Despite some ambitious projects, particularly in cocoa farming, the study revealed that none of the five supermarkets have implemented a comprehensive approach across their entire supply chains.
Wake-up call
However, the new European directive on due diligence requires this broad approach by 2027, noted 'Superlist Social'. "This study is therefore a wake-up call for supermarkets," stressed Jelle Goossens of the non-profit Rikolto, which took part in the study.
Most supermarkets are doing their utmost to increase the incomes of farmers working in banana plantations or the cocoa sector, according to the study. "These projects are valuable and have a real impact," commented Philippe Weiler, Managing Director of Fairtrade Belgium. "But supermarkets sell many other products, such as coffee, for which the social and environmental challenges require a similar approach."
The study also examined the measures taken by the major Belgian supermarkets to protect the rights of European farmers. While some supermarkets have signed long-term contracts with European farmers and others buy from cooperatives, "no supermarket has made a commitment [...] to long-term contracts and fair prices for European farmers."
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At present, no supermarket includes or applies all the steps set out in the European directive on due diligence in its policy, the study's authors added. "Supermarkets still have a great deal of work to do," concluded Bart Van Besien, advocacy officer at Oxfam Belgium.
The 'Superlist' study is an initiative of the think tank Questionmark and was produced in collaboration with Rikolto and with the support of Oxfam Belgium and Fairtrade Belgium.
