by BLOOMBERG

THE Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) launched a charter that outlines its members’ commitments to respect labour rights, adopt responsible recruitment practices and provide good working and living conditions for workers, the growers’ group said yesterday.

The “Responsible Employment Charter” is based on international guidelines on human and workers’ rights outlined by the United Nations, International Labour Organisation and International Recruitment Integrity System.

Commitments outlined in the charter includes elimination of all forms of forced labour and child labour, facilitate communication between workers and national worker organisations.

“Compliance with Malaysian labour laws including those relating to worker housing and living conditions, gender discrimination and sexual harassment, compliance with Malaysian sustainable palm oil certification criteria related to labour rights and practices, prohibition of recruitment fees to job seekers and respect for freedom of movement and no retention of personal documents,” the charter noted.

Growers will “ensure clear visibility of labour rights risk” throughout their operations and commit to remedy any infringement by taking corrective action that is transparent.

MPOA has over 120 members that make up 1.8 million ha of planted land in Malaysia, the world’s second-biggest oil palm producer.