The Observatorio de Derechos en Palma uses as guidelines and steps to follow in Honduras and Guatemala the seven RSPO principles used to guarantee sustainable production that respects human, labor and environmental rights in the sector.
A value chain that also includes the voices of workers and communities.
These principles help protect the environment, workers' rights and local communities. Below is a brief explanation of each one so that you can learn about them and use them to defend your rights. It is important to note that each principle has multiple criteria and indicators that broaden its scope and are available in the RSPO website
Principle 1. Behave ethically and transparently
Palm oil producers must operate ethically, with transparency in their actions and in their relationship with all stakeholders. This helps in building trust with each stakeholder in order to ensure solid and healthy relationships.
Principle 2. Operate legally and respect rights
Company operations must comply with all local, national and international laws and be aligned with RSPO commitments and standards. This also means that legal requirements must be implemented as basic operating principles in any jurisdiction.
Principle 3. Optimise productivity, efficiency,
positive impacts and resilience
The aim is to maximize efficiency and productivity, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society, improving the resilience of communities and ecosystems.
Principle 4. Respect community and human rights
and deliver benefits
Ensure that the rights of communities, including human rights, are respected, and that relationships are fair and equitable. Community rights must be respected, equal opportunities provided, benefits from participation maximized, and remediation ensured if necessary.
Principle 5. Support smallholder inclusion
Companies must include small producers in their supply chains in a fair and transparent manner, helping them to improve their practices and living conditions.
Principle 6. Respect workers’ rights and conditions
Workers' rights must be protected and safe and dignified working conditions must be guaranteed.
Principle 7. Protect, conserve and enhance ecosystems and the environment
Protect the environment, conserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainable management of natural resources. Palm oil companies must act responsibly and provide consumers with assurances about the sustainable origin of their products.
These principles are an essential guide to ensure that palm oil production is fair and responsible, benefiting both people and the planet. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, visit our website at Palm Rights Observatory. https://derechospalma.observatoriotrabajojusto.org/
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