Starbucks and Co. violate international law

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Black Gold Forums / STARBUCKS / Starbucks and Co. violate international law

Author	Message
Jack Member	# Posted: 17 Nov 2006 15:46 Reply The most revealing dimension exposed by Black Gold is the price difference between the amount Ethiopian coffee growers receive for their coffee and the amount their coffee is sold for in the West. However, this discrimination goes further than being simply unfair. It is in fact illegal. The small amounts being paid to coffee farmers is in violation of international law, human rights law as well as the national constitutional law of Ethiopia. These laws make it illegal for foreign corporations, countries and international trade organisations to exploit farmers in this way. They also make it illegal to dominate and monopolise the market such that farmers have no choice but to accept the amount being offered. It is also in fact illegal to pay Ethiopian farmers and pastoralists an unfair price for their beans. Ethiopian law is explicit on this point. It is also illegal to pay such a low price meaning the growers and their families are unable to have a decent living and afford basics such as adequate food, clothes, health care, housing or to be able to send their children to school. The law extends to the major traders and corporations who are responsible for determining the price coffee growers receive. This is the case whether they are directly or indirectly involved. It does not matter whether they actually pay the money and take the beans. It is enough that they control the price that is paid.
cristina pastor Member	# Posted: 30 Jul 2009 01:43 Reply dear jack, are you sure there are laws in Ethiopia that regulate the price the foreign companies give to the farmers. the ethiopian government, at least as resulting from this movie probably doesnt do much to help them. On the other hand they have many other famine problems aids etc there. Since the big shots do it probably they know how to do it legally. very very sad though.

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