Minneapolis, MN / January 2024 / Dignity Coconuts is at the forefront of the battle against human exploitation, making significant strides in the global initiative to counteract trafficking, with a particular emphasis on addressing issues in both the United States and the Philippines. The multifaceted and impactful contributions of this organization include:
Empowering Vulnerable Communities: Dignity Coconuts is dedicated to providing sustainable livelihoods for coconut farmers. The organization aims to address and alleviate economic vulnerabilities, thereby playing a pivotal role in mitigating the alarming risk of trafficking that looms over these marginalized communities.
Promoting Ethical Practices: The organization champions fair trade—a global standard that goes beyond mere compliance, actively engaging in the fight against predatory loans and corrupt buying practices. By taking a stand against these detrimental practices, the organization is making a significant impact in the ongoing battle against human trafficking, striving to create a world where ethical conduct is not just encouraged but also becomes the norm.
Community Engagement: Through close collaboration with local communities, Dignity Coconuts actively seeks out and tackles various contributing factors that render these communities vulnerable to trafficking.
In a recent CBS News feature, Ivy, one of the farmers under the care of Dignity Coconuts shared the company’s impact, saying, “The impact of Dignity has been incredible for me because I don’t have to find or be away from my family to find a good paying job. Dignity also allowed me, as a woman, to have the confidence to be a leader.”
Relevance in the Global Context
Human Trafficking Statistics in the U.S.: Operation RoundUp’s findings reveal the U.S. as the largest consumer of child pornography globally, with trafficked children from the Philippines being a primary source.
Philippines Trafficking Landscape: In 2022, an estimated 471,416 Filipino children fell victim to child sexual exploitation, constituting approximately 1 in every 100 children. The government’s identification of the Philippines as a leading source of trafficking victims in 2023 emphasizes the crucial role initiatives like Dignity Coconuts play.
Erik Olson emphasized the urgency, stating, “Over 30 million women and children woke up this morning without the choice of what they’ll do, or who touches their body. There are more slaves today than at any time in history. Today, we have three times the amount of people caught and sold as slaves between the 15th and 19th centuries. Alarmingly, 80% of noted sex trafficking survivors eventually get re-trafficked if they fail to find a safe and dignified job.”
About Dignity Coconuts
Dignity Coconuts, an innovative social enterprise, is making waves in the coconut industry by challenging the exploitative practices that have long plagued farmers, leaving them vulnerable to trafficking risks. The recipient of multiple prestigious awards, their Raw Coconut Oil stands out for its ethical and sustainable production methods. Nestled in the economically deprived regions of the Philippines, Dignity’s commitment to direct trade and community development not only ensures the creation of a high-quality product but also offers a transformative pathway for farmers to break free from the chains of slavery, empowering them to reclaim their dignity and forge a brighter future.
Published by: Martin De Juan
