Civil Rights Violation: Ignored Laws and Regulations by Nestle Company

Introduction: The Impact of MNCs

Since multinational corporations (MNCs) create employment, drive innovations, advance technology, and enhance the quality of life and interests of people globally, they undeniably have a positive influence on societies worldwide. However, there are instances where MNCs have neglected properly formulated national and international laws and regulations, leading to detrimental impacts on society and individuals.

Civil Rights Violation: Ignored Laws and Regulations by Nestlé Company

One notable example is Nestlé, an MNC accused and convicted of human rights violations due to its disregard for laws and regulations. Nestlé, one of the largest MNCs globally, operates in approximately 80 countries. The first instance of human rights violations occurred in the 1970s when they introduced their infant formula in developing countries. Nestlé promoted its product in impoverished regions as a supplement to breast milk. Their advertising was so compelling that mothers in these countries believed they had to provide the infant formula to their babies. However, the formula required mixing with clean water, which was scarce in poor regions like Africa, where Nestlé targeted its markets. Due to the lack of clean water and the mothers' illiteracy, the formula was mixed with contaminated water, leading to severe health issues and, in some cases, infant mortality. Reports indicate that Nestlé was aware of the illiteracy and lack of clean water in African countries but chose not to address these issues to avoid losing market share and profits (Blanding, 2012).

The United Nations has recognized access to sanitation and clean water as fundamental human rights. Nestlé is known as the largest producer of bottled water, extracting it from natural springs worldwide and selling it in attractively designed bottles. This practice has raised environmental concerns and infringed on the human right to water. Ethiopia, Uganda, and several Caribbean countries exemplify regions where clean and sanitary water is scarce (Gleick, 2010).

The Right to Water and Nestlé's Responsibility

All individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have the right to life and a healthy existence. Nestlé could have informed and educated specific communities on the proper use of infant formula. Conversely, Nestlé's extraction of water from springs and natural sources violates the right to clean water for people living in those areas. Nestlé's water extraction practices have contributed to drought conditions in Colorado and California. In Pakistan, villagers near a Nestlé-operated spring were forced to use contaminated water. Due to their countries' conditions and governments, these individuals cannot exercise their right to life. MNCs like Nestlé offer bottled clean water to these regions, further limiting access to clean water for the local population. Nestlé should help uphold the right to clean water by providing access to clean water for affected communities. MNCs should take necessary steps to support those suffering from a lack of clean water, aligning their goals with creating a better world while still achieving profitability. In their pursuit of profits, Nestlé has extracted water from certain regions, exacerbating the global clean water scarcity problem (Barlow & Clarke, 2002).

Child Slavery: A Severe Human Rights Violation

Child slavery is another egregious human rights violation associated with Nestlé. The company has faced allegations of trafficking children to Ivory Coast, where cocoa plantations are located, forcing them to work without pay, and subjecting them to physical and mental abuse. This represents one of the most severe human rights violations committed by Nestlé. Children represent the next generation and are entitled to education, a right recognized by the United Nations, which has also banned child labor. Children must be educated to contribute to the world's future development, and employing them instead is illegal under international law (International Labour Organization, 2017).

"Slavery" is universally condemned among civilized societies. Therefore, a well-established MNC like Nestlé endorsing slavery is unacceptable under any circumstances. This behavior clearly violates the children's freedom from slavery, as they were forced to work without pay on cocoa farms. Their freedom from torture was also violated, as they suffered physical and mental abuse.

First, Nestlé violated the children's right to education by transferring them to jobs in Ivory Coast, a serious breach of international child labor policies. Subsequently, they violated their freedom from slavery by compelling them to work without compensation. Finally, they violated their freedom from torture by subjecting them to physical and verbal abuse.

From these examples, it is evident that Nestlé has committed significant violations of fundamental human rights on a global scale.

Conclusion: The Need for Regulatory Compliance

We must focus on the international and national laws, regulations, and guidelines designed to monitor and prevent illicit behavior and human rights violations by MNCs. Nestlé could have adhered to these laws and guidelines, contributing to a world where human rights are protected globally, regardless of social status. In the case mentioned above, where Nestlé was prosecuted by the International Labor Rights Fund on behalf of three Malian children, if the accused company had been based in the USA, the plaintiffs could have sought remedies against Nestlé (International Labour Rights Fund, 2005).

References

• Barlow, M., & Clarke, T. (2002). Blue Gold: The Fight to Stop the Corporate Theft of the World's Water. The New Press.
• Blanding, M. (2012). The Coke Machine: The Dirty Truth Behind the World's Favorite Soft Drink. Avery.
• Gleick, P. H. (2010). Bottled and Sold: The Story Behind Our Obsession with Bottled Water. Island Press.
• International Labour Organization. (2017). Global Estimates of Child Labour: Results and Trends, 2012-2016. ILO.
• International Labour Rights Fund. (2005). Case Summary: Nestle, S.A., Nestle USA, and Cargill, Inc. Retrieved from [URL]